CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOLARS
Thanks to a grant from the McCormick Foundation to National Louis University, we welcome this distinguished group of Chicago Public Schools educators to the 8th Annual Summer Institute in Digital Literacy
ACCOLADES FROM OUR PARTNERS
"The McCormick Foundation is proud to support participation among an impressive and inclusive cohort of CPS teachers and staff in the Summer Institute in Digital Literacy. Now, more than ever, media literacy must be woven throughout the K-12 curriculum, and the nationally-acclaimed Media Education Lab, in partnership with National Louis University, will help participants make this a reality for CPS students this fall and beyond."
— Shawn Healy, Director, Democracy Program, McCormick Foundation
"NLU’s National College of Education is excited to partner with the University of Rhode Island to offer this summer’s Institute, bringing together the nationally-recognized expertise of both institutions in reading, literacy and digital learning in a uniquely collaborative virtual environment. This work is timely and essential.
The Institute’s creative, practical and research-based series of experiences will engage participants in developing innovative approaches to teaching that ensure that all children are engaged in meaningful learning experiences during these unprecedented times.
It also will provide a platform to amplify the voice of diverse educators around the world -- reflecting our continued commitment to diversity, equity and combatting racial injustice."
— Robert Muller, Ed.D, Dean of the National College of Education, National Louis University
2020 MCCORMICK CPS SCHOLARS
LaDwonda Hill
LaDwonda Hill is an Early Childhood Specialist with Chicago Public Schools. She has taught in the field of Early Childhood Education for 22 years and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
DAVE JABLONSKY
David Jablonsky is a Social Studies and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Multicultural Arts High School in the Little Village neighborhood. He has taught courses in Media Studies, Civics, AP US History, and multiple levels of ESL.
KASSANDRA CROSBY
Kassandra Cosby has a track record of successful teaching and education reform for over twenty-five years. She has an M.Ed. from Roosevelt University in Educational Administration and is finishing her 2nd Masters in Special Education from Chicago State University.
SALIYHA JOHNSON
Saliyha Johnson is a K-3rd Diverse Learner Teacher with CPS. Her work with students includes decreasing adverse behaviors, engaging low performing students in learning, and creating innovative plans to reach and teach the whole child.
TRICIA MCGANN
Tricia is a school librarian serving K-8 students at CPS' Mark Sheridan Math & Science Academy. She has been in education for over twenty years as a classroom teacher, reading specialist and now librarian. She has earned her Master’s in Reading and endorsement in Library Sciences.
JAMI RHUE
Jami Rhue is the School Librarian & Media Specialist at Providence Englewood Charter School. She also serves as a faculty, staff, and leadership team member at PECS. While there, she has coordinated and hosted many school-wide literacy events, as well as taught digital literacy, research, and technology skills to K-8 students.
PABLO OCHOA
Dr. Pablo Ochoa is currently a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) bilingual (English/Spanish) educator with 26 years of teaching experience as well as adjunct professor for Chicago State University (CSU). He is also a Reading Specialist with an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement.
JEN KOSZYK
Jen teaches 9th grade World Studies, 11th grade Civics and 11th grade IBDP Theory of Knowledge. She also teaches a cohort with OneGoal, a non-profit that supports high school students to achieve their postsecondary aspirations.
Ariel Garcia
Ariel currently works at Harlan Community Academy in Roseland on the south side of Chicago, teaching English. An avid reader of books at an early age. Ariel's love of literature fostered a passion for writing.
Courtney Treadwell
Courtney Treadwell was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Education from Langston University and has been an English teacher for nine years. She has primarily taught in alternative education settings serving ages 16-21. Beyond education, Courtney is a wife and mother to two boys.
Jeannette Alfred
Jeanette Alfred has been an ELL (English as a New Language) Teacher for Chicago Public Schools for the past 20 years. She also currently teach online classes to children in Haiti through her charity Haiti Reads which she founded in 2007. She also serves as
Public Relations Manager for two popular Chicago bands; one a reggae and the other a Haitian roots band.
Felicia Ullwelling
Felicia Ulwelling has been teaching high school English for over a decade and is now working at Williams Prep. Born and raised in Chicago, she is a proud alum of Chicago Public Schools. After working in corporate America, she decided to go back to school and become a teacher.
Danielle Williams
Danielle Williams works at Simeon Career Academy where she serves as English department chair. She received National Board Certification in 2010 and graduated from Concordia University with an M.S. in Educational Leadership.
LaTis' Barnes
LaTis' Barnes is driven to help students overcome barriers that impact their learning. She has taught in various classroom settings including co-teaching in a special education, self-contained half-day preschool program as well as co-teaching in a blended early childhood education classroom. LaTis' received the Excellence in Teaching Award for Reading in 2019.
Keviyona Ray Smith
Keviyona Ray SMith has worked as an educator for 16 years for Chicago Public Schools. She has taught multiple grades and subjects but is most passionate about Literacy. I She serves as the assistant principal of A. Philip Randolph Elementary School on the southside of Chicago.
NIKOLE LEWIS DICKENS
Nikole Lewis Dickens teaches middle school English Language Arts at Beethoven Elementary School in Chicago, IL. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning with a major in Reading, Language, and Literacy at National Louis University.
Sharon Boyd
Sharon Boyd is an educator with 20+ years experience. She has worn many hats in the classroom, as librarian, and educational technology specialit. She has learned be open and flexible to new ideas. She is currently teaching Educational Technology (pre-K through 8th) at Arthur Ashe Elementary School. She encourages students to get rid of the excuses and limits placed upon them because with a little encouragement and guidance they can succeed and accomplish anything they set their minds to.
ERIKA HARRISON
Erika Harrison is a graduate of National Louis University with a Masters in Special Education. She is a full time teacher with experience in teaching at the K-8 grade level with a focus teaching Literacy and Social Science. Erika has a passion for reading and teaching students to think critically. These skills build readers' background knowledge to be used when engaging the world around them.