Faces of D47: "I grew up helping out in my mom’s at-home daycare in Antioch. I was the babysitter and the helper, and I loved being around little kids. I went to Bradley University planning to teach early childhood, but I realized younger kids didn’t always relate to my sarcasm. When I switched to elementary education and started my methods classes, I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching math. I earned my Bachelor's in elementary education with a focus in middle school math. I remember classmates turning to me for help and my professor asking me to explain problems. Math wasn’t always my strongest subject, but I realized how fun it was to teach it, and I never looked back. If you had told me I’d be teaching middle school math and loving it, I would have laughed—but here I am." "I got my first job teaching middle school in Lake County for 3 years. Then one day, I walked into Hannah Beardsley because I saw they had a math opening, introduced myself to the secretary, and ended up interviewing for an eighth-grade math position. I’ve been here for 17 years, and from the moment I stepped into the building, it felt welcoming. My favorite part of coming here each day is the people, both the students and the staff. I’ve made close friends who were at my wedding and were the first to know about my four kids. Living in the Hannah Beardsley community makes it even more special. I enjoy our new math curriculum and how it challenges both my thinking and my students’ thinking." "I serve as co-advisor for NJHS, which gives students opportunities to lead. Last year, our eighth graders organized a student-led fund run that raised about $7,423 for end-of-year activities. NJHS has also adopted Crystal Lake Avenue, and we take groups out several times a year for road cleanups. Seeing students take ownership, plan events, and give back to the community is one of my favorite parts of the position." "Seventeen years later, I can honestly say I’ve never wanted to leave. Hannah Beardsley has become my home, and being part of this community means so much to me. I love what I do, and I feel lucky everyday to be here." -Jennifer Rutishauser, 8th Grade Math/Social Studies Teacher, HBMS
