Hello, Families! My name is Ms. Courtney, and I am a first-grade teacher in Schaumburg. I am passionate about helping young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive and engaging environment.

I was raised in Schaumburg, and my educational journey began at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I majored in elementary education. My love for teaching and learning led me to pursue a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University. Wanting to expand my expertise, I earned additional reading and special education certifications from the American College of Education.

For the past four summers, I have worked as a tutor in Itasca, supporting students ages 4 to 13. I specialize in working with students who struggle with reading comprehension, decoding, and social-emotional needs. I believe in meeting students where they are and tailoring instruction to their unique strengths and challenges.

Outside the classroom, I love reading, exercising, and traveling. These experiences help shape my perspective and influence my teaching approach, making learning more dynamic and engaging.

One of my favorite quotes is by George Evans: "Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way." This philosophy guides my work, reminding me that every child has a unique learning journey.I am committed to fostering a love of learning, building strong relationships with students and families, and supporting the whole child academically, emotionally, and socially. Education is a partnership, and I look forward to working together to help students thrive!