There are a bunch of new teachers here at Riverside Brookfield this year and this is your chance to get to know more about them.
Suzanne Bartelson (Fine Arts Teacher)
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Riverside Brookfield?
A: I heard about how great RB was from other teachers like Mr. Grice and Ms. Rubin and I heard how progressive the school is.
Q: Where did you teach previously?
A: Elmwood Park.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: I got my degree at University of Illinois in Champagne, and I went to grad school to get my degree in Fine Arts and media.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I do lacrosse and definitely ceramics.
Q: What are your goals at Riverside Brookfield?
A: To make some amazing ceramic art work.
Jenna Passananti (Spanish Teacher)
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Riverside Brookfield?
A: I know what a great school this is and it has a strong academic reputation with great commitment and involvement.
Q: Where did you teach previously?
A: This is my first time teaching.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Illinois Wesleyan University.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like to play volleyball, work out, read, and hang out.
Q: What are your goals at Riverside Brookfield?
A: To improve the volleyball program, make a difference in my students’ lives, and to help my students to learn Spanish.
Kevin Coleman (Science Teacher)
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Riverside Brookfield?
A: I had previously lived in Wisconsin and I wanted to move closer to my family around here. So now I live in Oak Park and since I’m a bike commuter I needed to find schools in the area that I could ride my bike to.
Q: Where did you teach previously?
A: I taught before at Carl Schurz High School, but before I took this job I was an environmental consultant.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: The University of Madison
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Biking and cooking. I have a 2 ½ year old girl that I spend most of my time with.
Q: What are your goals at Riverside Brookfield?
A: To help students understand how things work, well enough to make informed decisions in the outside world.
Dallas Till (Wellness)
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Riverside Brookfield?
A: I knew this was a fantastic high school and there was a lot to offer here. I also like the whole new facility.
Q: Where did you teach previously?
A: Elmwood Park
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Elmhurst College
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Playing cards, vacationing, playing sports, and watching football.
Q: What are your goals at Riverside Brookfield?
A: To lead our baseball and football teams to success.
Ann Kuenster (Science Teacher)
Q: Why did you choose to teach at Riverside Brookfield?
A: Riverside Brookfield has a good reputation and a lot of AP classes. I also like the test prep classes here.
Q: Where did you teach previously?
A: Proviso Math and Science Academy
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: Northwestern University for my Bachelors and Southern University for my Masters.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like hockey, crossword puzzles, and baking.
Q: What are your goals at Riverside Brookfield?
A: This year my goal is to make students think physics is fun.