- Story
Meet the new teachers who will be working at Sycamore Middle School!
Miss Lee, Art Teacher – SMS
What do you like to do in your free time?
I play guitar, draw, paint, sculpt, and I love to play Minecraft.
What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
When my high school art teacher drove out to NIU (both of our alma mater) to see me and my art and we talked about teaching art over dinner.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
When I realized that I wanted to have the same impact on the next generation of artists that my high school art teacher had on me.
Mrs. Berna, 6/7/8 Grade Special Education – SMS & North
What do you like to do in your free time?
Gardening, kayaking, family, and traveling.
What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Paraeducator 17 years, mother 29 years, grandma 3 years, & wife 30 years.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I love kids, and it's a wonderful job to have as a mother so that you can be with your family.
Mr. Furman, 6th Grade English and Social Studies – SMS
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my son, family, and friends, follow my favorite sports teams (Cubs, Bulls, and Packers), play golf, go on walks, complete home improvement projects, and listen to my favorite podcasts.
What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
Doing our Civil War unit in 5th grade - we all had to take on historical roles and problem-solve situations over the course of a few weeks.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I enjoy helping students find success and discover what they are passionate about, as well as working in a team environment with my fellow educators.
Ms. Mathey, School Counselor – SMS
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love reading, watching movies, playing board games, cooking, and playing with my dog, Bryant.
What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
I once got paid to be a clown at Dairy Ripple.
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I chose to become a school counselor so I could work with & support students, and be an advocate for their needs. Middle school is a very turbulent and challenging time, and I want to be the person I wanted for myself at that age and continue to encourage mental health services and an environment of inclusivity (and fun!).
Ms. Hickey, 7th Grade ELA & Science – SMS
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, watch movies with friends, go on hiking trips, and spend time with family.
What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
I have a lot of great memories from when I was a student, so it's difficult to narrow it down! When I was in 6th grade, my teacher, Mrs. Dryden, created so many immersive social studies and language arts units. We mummified chickens while learning about Ancient Egypt, got to wear lucky hats while taking spelling tests, and put on plays complete with costumes. I always think of these when designing lessons for my students; she always took such a creative approach and I want to do the same in my classroom!
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I have always loved learning and had so many incredible teachers while I was in school. Those teachers and my internship with the OSCAR Program inspired me to go into education myself.
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