Tuscola schools welcome new teachers, support staff
Name: Rachel Henderson
Town of residence: Tuscola
Family: My mom, Suzanne Henderson, retired from Tuscola school district after 39 years of teaching.
Subject matter/grade level/other assigned duties:
Pre-Algebra and Algebra I/9th grade/Sophomore Class sponsor
Hometown: Tuscola
Education:
• High school attended/graduation year: TCHS, 1997
• College attended/degrees earned/graduation year: EIU, Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, 2007; EIU, Bachelor of Science with middle school math endorsement, 2001
Work experience:
2019 Tuscola High School CUSD #301 9th grade Pre-Algebra/Algebra I
2012 Unity Junior High School 8th grade math teacher
2003 Villa Grove Junior High 7-8 grade math teacher
2001 Villa Grove High School math teacher
Teaching/philosophies: I look forward to bringing my 18 years experience to the students at TCHS. I have had the opportunity to work with many talented teachers over the years who have helped shape my teaching skills and allowed me to grow and evolve as an educator. I have a love for technology and try to incorporate it in my teaching. Not only does technology engage more students, it can also enhance the educational process. My goal is to stay current with new teaching techniques and technology to engage all students and foster a great learning environment. Working with students, faculty and staff at TCHS will be my pleasure.
Professional affiliations/civic organizations/community involvement:
• IEA – Illinois Education Association
• NEA – National Education Association
• TEA – Tuscola Education Association
– 2007 Recipient of ICTM Middle School Mathematics Award
The reason I applied for a job in the Tuscola school district is:
I was approached by principal Mr. Steve Fiscus who informed me of the job. After meeting with him and obtaining more details of the job description, I was interested. Not only was it a subject I enjoy, but the job is located in my hometown. I find myself back at my alma mater. I recently saw a school T-shirt that says “Always A Warrior.” This couldn’t be more true. I am looking forward to teaching 9th grade pre-algebra and algebra I, both topics I truly enjoy.
Interests/hobbies:
• Began pilot training June 2017 in a Cessna 172 and have been flying ever since.
• Active member of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 29 based in Champaign: I am currently the secretary, treasurer, and Young Eagles Coordinator for the chapter. As coordinator, I help to organize a program each month from March to October that provides free introductory flights for kids ages 8-17.
• Enjoy traveling both domestic and abroad.
Name: Robin Rauch
Town of residence: Arcola
Family: Husband, David. Twin sons: Ryan (wife Alicia) in Urbana and Todd (wife Alexis) in Auburn, Ala.
Subject matter/grade level/other assigned duties: Fourth grade at North Ward
Hometown: Mattoon
Education:
• High school attended/graduation year: Mattoon High School, 1981
• College attended/degrees earned/graduation year: Eastern Illinois University, 2007
Work experience: My first career was in management. I returned to school, after raising my sons, to get my teaching degree. I taught sixth grade in Arcola for 12 years.
Teaching/philosophies: “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said, they will remember how made them feel.” Mya Angelou. I believe that students learn best when they are in a positive learning environment where they feel welcomed, valued, and safe. The possibilities are endless when students know you care.
Professional affiliations/civic organizations/community involvement: Arcola First Baptist Church
The reason I applied for a job in the Tuscola school district is: I have heard great things about the Tuscola School District. As much as I enjoyed teaching in Arcola, I am excited to be joining the Tuscola family. I am also excited to be teaching fourth grade.
Interests/hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends; Reading, reading, and more reading!
Name: Mike Rosenbaum
Town of residence: Champaign
Family: Wife, Taylor
Subject matter/grade level/other assigned duties: This year I’ll be teaching High School Geometry and Algebra 2. I’m also the varsity Cross Country coach, and I’ll be helping Coach Kohlbecker as the JV girls’ basketball coach.
Hometown: Arthur
Education:
• High school attended/graduation year: Arthur High School: 2011
• College attended/degrees earned/graduation year: Lake Land College, A.A. in History, 2013; Eastern Illinois University, B.A. in History Education, Minor in Math Education, 2016
Work experience: Fall 2016- Spring 2019, Geometry and Algebra I teacher at Central A&M High School
Teaching/philosophies: I like to create a relaxed, yet energetic environment where kids are comfortable to discuss their ideas and work together to solve problems. Especially in geometry, there can be more than one way to get to the answer, and I’m more concern about how kids progress and use logic to get to the solution than I am with memorizing formulas and regurgitating information.
Professional affiliations/civic organizations/community involvement:
Parishioner at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church; National Council for Teaching Mathematics; Educator of Distinction in National Society of High School Scholars
The reason I applied for a job in the Tuscola school district is: My wife has lived in Champaign the last three years (we got married over the summer), and when I was looking for jobs, I wanted a place that wasn’t too far from Champaign, yet a school that had a familiar feel. Tuscola fit those qualities, and I was very excited to get the job in April. In addition to the teaching position, Tuscola also had the coaching opportunities I was looking for, so I jumped at the chance to take the job.
Interests/hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing basketball, attending all sorts of sporting events, listening to music, and traveling. Favorite sports teams: Baseball – Chicago Cubs; Pro Football – Chicago Bears; College Football – Texas Christian and Illinois; College Basketball – Illinois; and Pro Basketball – San Antonio Spurs.
Name: Diana Wyant
Town of residence: Villa Grove
Family: My husband is David Wyant. We have two sons, Mark King and Justin Wyant (RaeAnn). We have one granddaughter, Lily.
Subject matter/grade level/other assigned duties: I will be teaching fifth grade at East Prairie.
Hometown: Villa Grove
Education:
• High school attended/graduation year: Villa Grove High School, 1983
• College attended/degrees earned/graduation year: I graduated from Western Governor’s University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts, interdisciplinary studies (PK-8). I received my middle school endorsement in business, marketing, and management from Eastern Illinois University in 2013.
Work experience: Teaching is my second career. I worked in the legal field as a Legal Secretary for over 20 years. In 2009, I left my job with the Federal Public Defender’s office in Urbana, IL to pursue my career in teaching. I began my teaching career by working as a teacher aide in the fifth grade at East Prairie in Tuscola. In 2011, I began working as a fifth grade teacher at Arcola Elementary. I taught fifth grade for six years there and then switched to sixth grade and taught it for two years. And, now, I’m happy to be back at Tuscola teaching fifth grade.
Teaching/philosophies: My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and learn differently. It is important to provide a learning environment to meet the unique needs of each individual student so that they can reach their full potential. My role as teacher will be to assist each child in developing their own potential and learning styles. Learning should be in a safe environment and should include technology and hands-on activities. It should also allow student choices and allow students to use their curiosity to direct their learning. I also believe that it takes a village to foster the learning of all students. There is no way I could do my job without the help of my colleagues, parents, and everyone else in the community.
Professional affiliations/civic organizations/community involvement: I am currently supervisor for the Murdock Township.
The reason I applied for a job in the Tuscola school district is: When I worked at Tuscola as a Teacher Aide from 2009 to 2011, I fell in love with the Tuscola School District. It has always been a desire of mine to make it back to Tuscola and to again teach fifth grade. So, when I saw they had a fifth grade position available, I applied immediately. I will say that it was a hard decision for me. I am grateful for the many opportunities that Arcola gave me. However, I am super excited to be back at Tuscola and to be able to work with some amazing people. It’s going to be a great year!
Interests/hobbies: My most favorite thing to do is spending time with my family and friends. I love reading, motorcycle riding, playing Euchre, and I love, love, love spending time at the lake or on a beach somewhere.