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Coal City Intermediate School is preparing to welcome five new educators as the academic year begins on August 13. The additions include classroom teachers and a counselor, each bringing experience and enthusiasm to their roles.
Kyra Benson will join as a fourth grade teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University and previously taught kindergarten at Gardner Grade School for three years. Benson is also an alumna of Coal City High School. “I know how great of a district and environment it is and I am thankful to be a part of it,” she said. Her teaching approach focuses on engaging students through interactive activities: “anything to get students more interested and involved.” Benson values days when students leave her classroom feeling better and more knowledgeable than when they arrived.
Holly Engstrom will serve as the school counselor for fourth and fifth graders. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by a master’s in school counseling from Lewis University. Engstrom completed an internship at Minooka High School and has worked as a middle school counselor in Oswego’s District 308 for the past three years. “Always in their corner,” Engstrom said about her commitment to students, emphasizing the importance of providing support for emotional, mental, and academic success.
Ashlyn Fisk joins as a fifth grade teacher after graduating from Illinois State University with an elementary education degree and ESL endorsement. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, both special education teachers, Fisk looks forward to building relationships within the school community. Her goal is “to learn and grow as much as possible, and to build relationships with students and staff.” She defines a good day by student engagement with learning material.
Jessica Giordano will work with fourth and fifth graders as a cross categorical teacher. A resident of the district, Giordano has served previously as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher locally. She holds degrees in psychology (bachelor’s) and special education (master’s) from Lewis University. “I’ve always loved working with kids,” she said, adding that connecting with students, educators, and families is one of her primary goals this year.
Sofia Rankin will teach fifth grade after earning her elementary education degree from Augustana College. Rankin completed student teaching in Rock Island before serving as a long-term substitute teacher in Plainfield. She cited Coal City’s focus on student excellence as one reason for joining: “I love how the small community allows for personal and meaningful relationships to thrive,” she said.
The new hires reflect ongoing efforts by Coal City Intermediate School to maintain quality instruction while supporting student growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
