ISD 166 hiring teachers and preparing for upcoming August 27 presentation

With less than five weeks to go, Cook County School ISD 166 has begun preparations for the start of the upcoming school year.

Teachers will return for the school year on Aug. 26, and students following close behind on Sept. 3.

Two long-time teachers, Scott Steinbach, who has taught 4th grade for 32 years, and Julie Nelson, a long-time paraprofessional, recently announced their retirement ahead of the upcoming school year.

“We wish them all the best and appreciate their years of service here in Cook County,” Superintendent of ISD 166, Chris Lindholm, said.

In addition to the two retirements, a couple of teachers are taking a leave of absence. The middle school math teacher, Steven Anderson, is taking a leave of absence during the second quarter of the school year, and the High School English teacher, Amanda Beal, will be taking a leave of absence from Nov. 5 to Dec. 31.

Lindholm said the school is actively hiring teachers to fill in for the leave of absence and retirement positions. Interested applicants can apply on the Cook County Schools website.

At the end of August, the school will partner with Cook County Higher Education and Cook County Public Health to host an event featuring speaker and author Erin Walsh.

Lindholm said Walsh will present how parents can better understand child and adolescent development related to technology and phone screen time. Walsh established the Spark & Stitch Institute with her parents, Dr. Dave and Monica Walsh. The organization helps parents and educators understand research and the connection between child development and digital media.

The event will include a community meal, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will start at 6 p.m., and parents can participate in a Q&A afterward.

“We’re really excited about it, and we want to invite all of our parents regardless of what school your kids go to,” Lindholm said.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with ISD 166 Superintendent Chris Lindholm about the upcoming Aug. 27 presentation and for a mid-summer school update. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins July 29, 2024