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Resource teachers
The resource teachers are highly qualified and specially trained to help students who need additional assistance or differing methods in order to take advantage of the regular school curriculum. They provide students with techniques which allow them to participate according to their individual learning style. A resource teacher is a resource to the staff and parents by offering techniques and materials to fit a child’s needs. They help to identify students with learning differences, develop a plan to meet the student’s needs, and implement the plan. They are the supervisors of a child’s special education program.
Jennifer Fishbein, and Betsy Hansfield fulfill this role at Sherwood.
Speech-language pathologists
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have master’s degrees in speech and language pathology. They are qualified to diagnose and implement therapy for speech articulation, language, voice, and fluency disorders that hinder a child’s ability to communicate effectively in the school setting. They also consult with teachers regarding language acquisition and individual student needs. Currently at Sherwood the SLPs are implementing phonemic awareness programs in the kindergartens and teaching language lessons in the classrooms as needed.
Diane Nekritz and Sharon Weissman fulfill this role at Sherwood.
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Social workers
The social workers are part of the educational team. Their training enables them to understand and interpret factors within the home, school and community that may impact the student and their learning.
Social workers help students to: understand themselves and others, improve relationships, and develop problem-solving skills.
Social workers help parents in understanding and meeting their child's social and emotional needs.
Social workers help the school understand the factors that may affect the student's abilities to succeed in school and offer consultation within a problem solving model to address these needs.
Carolyn Callahan and Judy Gruber fulfill this role at Sherwood.
Learning Coordinator
The position of Learning Coordinator is defined through the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Learning Coordinators have a strong background in all aspects of special education and co-lead with principals in all matters pertaining to guidance and special services.
Brad Voehringer fulfills this role at Sherwood.
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Gifted teachers
The gifted resource teachers are highly qualified and specially trained teachers who hold a state credited certificate in gifted education. The gifted resource teachers are responsible for implementing the North Shore School District 112, elementary enrichment resource model.
Elementary Enrichment Resource Model
1. The gifted services teacher provides differentiation support to teachers with students identified to receive gifted services in their classrooms.
2. The gifted services teacher will work with small groups of students, outside their classroom setting on special projects, units, or lessons.
3. The gifted services teacher serves as resource for differentiation to regular education classroom teachers and grade level groups of teachers.
4. The gifted services teacher works directly with classroom teachers as a resource, co-planner, or co-teacher with whole groups or small groups of students.
Liz Hunt and Maureen Stolman fulfill this role at Sherwood.
ESL teacher
An ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher works with students who are acquiring English as a second language. At Sherwood, students have come to us from many parts of the world, including Germany, Israel, Russia, and Poland. The ESL teacher works with these students two or three times a week, depending on their language needs. Students work on oral communication, vocabulary building, reading comprehension, and writing.
Olga Nunez fulfills this role at Sherwood.
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School psychologists
The school psychologists work with teachers, parents, and staff to find the best solution for each child. We are involved in many different activities that range from consultation to assessment of learning styles. We also design interventions to meet the needs of individual students and groups. A large part of our job is to support the problem solving process and collect school wide reading data for all students three times a year.
The school psychologist at Sherwood is Joy Skiest.
Spanish teacher
The Spanish teacher exposes all students in grades 1-5 (excluding the dual language classes) to the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture for 30 minutes each week. Lessons include learning vocabulary, playing games, speaking in mini-conversations and singing. Learning a foreign language at an early age has proven to be quite successful.
Sherwood's Spanish teachers are Luana Tazioli and Patricia Hendel
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Art teacher
The Sherwood Art Program will expose the students to all types of art fundamentals and experiences. The District 112 Art Curriculum is closely followed and we make sure that the students are recieving the information and experiences required by the district and state.
Students will learn how art history and our many differents cultures reflect in our art work.
Our goal is to make sure each Sherwood student has a positive art experience. The Art Room is a place where the students can imagine, discover and create.
Sherwood's art teachers are Louise Fernitz and Sheri Lucterhand.
Music teacher
While involved in Sherwood’s music program, students are immersed in the entire process of music making. Students read, write, compose, and perform musical concepts from many different cultures. Additionally, students discover the relationships music has to other disciplines and begin to make connections that expand beyond the music curriculum. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively through singing, playing instruments, and performing in a grade-level program.
Sherwood's music teacher is Kathryn Polyack.
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P.E. teacher
The Physical Education program, led by Mr. Jesselson, tries to incorporate team sports with lifetime sports while stressing the importance of sportsmanship. Students will take part in units featuring soccer, football, adventure education (teambuilding), climbing and gymnastics/tumbling. During the gymnastics/tumbling unit, the 4th graders are responsible for putting together an individual or partner routine and performing it for their peers. In addition to team and lifetime sports, Mr. Jesselson is trying to include more fitness-related activities in the curriculum. Thanks to a District 112 Foundation grant, Mr. Jesselson will be purchasing Dance Dance Revolution for Sherwood students. Also, the 5th graders will be working with pedometers. Mr. Jesselson is very excited to begin another school year with a fast start.
Sherwood's P.E. teacher is Danny Jesselson.
Band and orchestra teachers
Sherwood's band teacher is Matt Taylor. Sherwood's orchestra teacher is Daniela Valdez
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