Kristin Erickson Casillas
Kris is teaching first grade at Gaston Elementary School in Beloit, WI. She says, “BC opened my eyes to see that there is more than one way to attack a problem--thinking outside the box. It also helps in my interaction with parents because the liberal arts heightened my awareness to difference (tolerance). You have to communicate with parents what your expectations are. Parents want information on how to help their child or what strategies are important. Parents want the nitty gritty!!" On a personal note she says, "Dan, Mateo and I welcomed Rio Danielle into the world on December 5th." updated 4-30-07
Jaclyn Kordell
After 4 years of teaching in Phoenix, Jaclyn decided to resign and start graduate school. Jaclyn says, "I am at the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont working on a Masters in Sustainable Development. After this semester, I will be finished with my on campus phase and will begin my practicum. I am hoping to have my practicum related to HIV/AIDS prevention, education, or curriculum development."
Carrie Moloney
After graduating, Carrie taught off and on in Richmond, IL and after three years was laid off with 15% of her district because of a financial crisis. She is currently doing research for Focus on the Family in Dublin, Ireland, researching the drug scene among the youth, so as to better prepare for their organization to launch a program entitled, "How to Drugproof Your Kids" later this year. She has another mission trip scheduled to Cancun when she returns home in July. Link to full details.
Ruth Whalen Crockett
Right after graduating, Ruth moved to eastern Massachusetts to teach at Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, a 7th-12th grade public charter school steeped in the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Ruth is still working at Parker, but took time off between 2002 and 2004 to attend the Harvard University School of Education in the School Leadership Program. On March 1st, she had a son and everyone is healthy and happy. Link to full details.
Greg Wallendal
Greg says, “I don't go a single day without the Beloit College experience subtly influencing everything I do. Without Beloit College, I would not be a collaborator; I would not be a team player; I would not truly understand differential learning strategies; and I would not see beyond the concrete. Beloit College was the key to critical thinking that I needed to be a teacher who challenges every student to reach for the stars and at least grasp the moon. It has allowed me to understand the individual, yet push them to overcome their birthright, so often a limiting factor.” Greg has been at Beloit Memorial HS for 5 years and teaches Theatre Arts, Acting, Creative Writing, and English. This summer he will begin his Masters of Theatre Directing at Roosevelt University in Chicago, but his grand ambition is to simply be a better teacher. He says he loves teaching and loves his students. Greg reports that, "In the last 5 years working at Beloit Memorial I have established a parent support organization for the performing arts, which lead to numerous fundraisers and pressed the school board to agree to a $100,000 theatre renovation. I consider this a huge accomplisment. I have also piloted a competitive program to Letter in Theatre much like people letter in a sport. I have also established an alumni summer theatre program so that graduates interested in the Theatre Arts who have gone off to college can come back to demonstrate to the community what they have learned at college and bring back quality productions to the community. I have also introduced an annual Shakespeare festival to the area making this the third year in which I collaborate with a guest director from New York to direct a Shakespearean production using my students. This year
we tackle the Scottish Play, Macbeth." Greg's teaching tip: "If you have a goal in mind when you start, the chance you'll miss it will inevitably diminish." updated 4-30-07