- Spring Brook Elementary
- Fifth Grade
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Mr. Burke has been teaching since 1994. He has been at Spring Brook since 2010, having spent the first 16 years of his career at McCarty Elementary, teaching both 4th and 5th grades. Prior to entering the teaching profession, he worked at the Chicago Stock Exchange for nine years. He has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. He feels that one of the best aspects of teaching is the chance to learn new things along with his students. His wife, Lisa, has taught 4th grade at Naper School for over 30 years. He has two adult children – Kelly and Kevin. In his free time he loves to read and spend time with family and friends.
Mrs. Fornelli began her teaching career in 2006. She previously taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade in Plainfield district 202. She then taught 3rd grade at Longwood in IPSD204 before coming to Spring Book. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Trinity International University and her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. She loves teaching because her students never cease to amaze her with their creativity, intelligence, and growth. Mrs. Fornelli likes that no two days are the same when teaching and loves to have fun with her students. In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, eating chocolate, and sitting on her front porch. Her most favorite things in the world are her husband and two kids.
Mrs. Kauffman began her 5th grade teaching career at Spring Brook Elementary in 2006. Before becoming a classroom teacher Mrs. Kauffman worked as a Permanent Sub and Teaching Assistant in the District’s B.A.S.I.C.S Program. She attended WIU for her bachelors in Elementary Education, received her Masters in Educational Leadership with a Type 75 from Concordia University, and also has an endorsement in reading. Mrs. Kauffman is the Team Leader for the 5th grade team and enjoys being able to work with such a great group of educators. She loves teaching because each day is a new adventure, the kids are full of energy, it is amazing to see her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She loves to learn new things from her students. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mr. Sumatra has been an elementary school teacher since 2005, beginning his career in education teaching fifth grade students in Hickory Hills at District 117. Prior to teaching, Mr. Sumatra worked for several different companies including Motorola, Aon, and Sabratek Corporation. Like Mr. Burke, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance (Southern Illinois University) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Olivet University). Mr. Sumatra loves people, sports, reading, and music; and often tries to integrate these passions in his teaching. He finds it rewarding when students learn something new and can't wait to show or tell someone about it. Having three young children, Amelia, Zachary, and Mallory, his wife, Kari is constantly looking for ways to entertain the four kids and control the laughter.