The first day of school for Coal City Community Unit School District 1 is set for Wednesday, Aug. 13, and the district will kick off the 2025-2026 academic year by welcoming 13 new educators.
Orientation for new staff began Wednesday, Aug. 6, with three days of training led by Jennifer Kenney, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction. Kenney was joined by district administrators and staff members who assisted in the onboarding process.
The new hires will serve in a variety of roles across the district’s academic buildings, helping Coal City Schools carry out its mission of “preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Kyra Benson joins the staff of Coal City Intermediate School as its new fourth grade teacher. Benson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University and has spent the past three years as a kindergarten teacher at Gardner Grade School.
Kyra grew up in the Coal City School District and graduated from 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 of her new position.
Her path into education stems from a love of working with kids, and desire to make a change in their lives.
In her classroom, Kyra strives to make learning fun for students so she turns concepts into games, saying “anything to get students more interested and involved.”
For her, a good day at school is one when students leave the classroom in a better mood than they came in with and more knowledge.
Kyra shared she is excited to meet her students and begin developing positive relationships with them, as well as getting to know her fellow educators and building staff.
Outside of the classroom she enjoys reading a good book, attending concerts, spending time with her dog and traveling—she has been out of the country the past two summers on cruises, most recently to Norway and England.
Olivia Brus is a new addition to the fine arts program at Coal City High School where she will be teaching art courses—photography, design and Intro to Art. She will also be working with the Anime and Art Clubs.
Oliva obtained her bachelor in fine arts degree from the American Academy of Art and her masters from Northern Illinois University. She previously taught at Stagg, Hinsdale Central and South, Downers Grove North High Schools, as well as in District 218 based in Oak Lawn.
Inspired by her high school and college instructors, Olivia changed careers from one in graphic design to art education. “I wanted to make an impact and pass on the inspiration my teachers gave me,” she said.
It was Coal City’s, “wonderful, close-knit community,” that drew her to seeking a position in the district and she is looking forward to the opportunity to make art a major draw for students.
“I’m excited to learn and grow in this district and become a memorable teacher for our students,” she said, adding she is also looking forward to being, “that weird art teacher.”
In the process her goal is to have students exit her class with a deeper appreciation for art and how art shaped the world. “Not everyone will be an artist, but everyone can interact and appreciate art,” she said.
Olivia is a working artist outside of the classroom as a freelance graphic designer. Some of her past work was with popular companies such as Starbucks, Tootsie Roll and Jelly Belly. She is also into pottery, gardening and her pets—cats, dogs, snakes, fish and lizards.
Brianne Clavenna returns to the Early Childhood Center where she spent most of last year as a student teacher and substitute. This school year she will be leading her own kindergarten classroom.
“I have always loved leading/teaching the littles, even as a little myself,” said Brianne, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University with an endorsement in special education.
As an educator, she wants her students, “to learn to build meaningful connections as well as how to be problem solvers in and out of the classroom.”
For her a good day at school is one when students come in feeling a sense of belonging and happiness to be at school.
“I am excited to build connections with my first group of students and their families,” Brianne said.
In her personal time, she enjoys walking, watching movies, spending time with those she loves, and baking—or trying to bake.
Holly Engstrom will serve as the school counselor for Coal City Intermediate School’s fourth and fifth grade students. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she went on to obtain her masters degree in school counseling from Lewis University. She completed an internship at Minooka High School and has worked in District 308—Oswego— for the past three years as a middle school counselor.
As she enters her new position in Coal City, Holly wants students to know that she is, “always in their corner.”
Providing students with the tools they need to help them be successful emotionally, mentally and academically is key.
Holly said she is excited to get to know everyone and settling into her new position with the fourth and fifth grade staff and students.
She is a wife and mother of three children. The family has two dogs—a pitbull and a corgi.
When not at school she enjoys reading, being outside and trying new things. She also shared, “I talk a lot and I love meeting new people and being interactive.”
Matthew Felbein is the new middle and high school choir director. He will also instruct sixth grade music this year and oversee the high school’s Footnotes show choir.
Matthew recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a bachelors in music education. When seeking a position, Matthew was interested in Coal City due to its amazing fine arts reputation, and the fact he had family that lived in the community.
His path into education was paved by his own music educator and “how exciting it was to help young musicians find the joy and excitement of making music together.”
In his first year teaching, Matthew’s goals are to create a space where students feel welcome and excited to make music; make connections with students that allow them to grow and do their best, and find ways to use music to give back to the community.
“I want students to not only feel comfortable and confident making music with others, but also to find ways they can apply the ideas we learn outside of the classroom in both musical and non-musical ways,” he said.
In addition to teaching and performing music, Matthew enjoys composing and writing music and had a piece that was performed at Carneige Hall in New York City.
Some of his other interests are biking, hiking, crocheting and musical theatre.
Ashlyn Fisk will be teaching fifth grade this year at Coal City Intermediate School. She is a graduate of Illinois State University where she earned her degree in elementary education with an ESL endorsement.
Ashlyn grew up around the excitement and joy of working with kids, as both her mother and grandmother were special education teachers. They inspired her to fulfill her passion for education that started at a young age. “Ever since I was little I would play school with my siblings and friends,” she said.
As she begins her first year with Coal City, Ashlyn said her goals are simple, “to learn and grow as much as possible, and to build relationships with students and staff.”
A good day in the classroom, she said, is having productive time spent on learning material, students engaging with the content and being excited about it and having positive moments throughout the day with and between the students.
Outside of the classroom, Ashlyn enjoys hiking and exploring, swimming, being artsy, playing video and board games and spending time with her three cats.
Jessica Giordano will be working with fourth and fifth grade students this year as a cross categorical teacher at Coal City Intermediate School. Jessica is no stranger to the district as she is a resident and former paraprofessional and substitute teacher within the school district.
Jessica attended Lewis University where she earned her bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in special education.
“I’ve always loved working with kids,” she said. That interest sparked her decision to get involved in education.
Connecting with her students, fellow educators and families is a goal for the coming year and she is excited to build on those relationships.
Knowing every student’s success in the classroom is different, she believes it’s important to recognize each student’s strengths and meet them.
Any day that results in learning for students and herself is viewed as a good day.
“I want everyone to feel good and accomplished at the end of the day,”she said.
In her personal time, Jessica enjoys time with her family and takes interest in crochet and reading—she read 164 books last year.
Payton Hutchings joins the Coal City High School staff as its new physical education teacher. He will also serve as the assistant varsity baseball and assistant varsity girls basketball coach.
Payton is a Coaler graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology—physical education teaching this spring from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. During his college years he played baseball for the Fighting Illini.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Payton sought a career in the education field. Coming back to his hometown and teaching at his alma mater provides him an opportunity, “to give back to this great community for everything it has given me, and a way I can do that is by inspiring the next generation of learners,” he said.
As a first year teacher, Payton said he is looking forward to building relationships with those in the district and to leave an impact on his students. Being able to connect or build a relationship with a student is viewed as a good day, and personally a good day is marked by any day he is able to learn something new to make him a better teacher.
As an educator, Payton said, “I want my students to take life long lessons in physical activity—healthy eating habits, weightlifting/training routines, and mental health and wellness skills,” he said, noting he views success as being any improvement in a student from the time they first attempted something.
In his personal time, Payton enjoys being outside, on the golf course or going on bike rides.
Karen Koca began her career as a military pilot in the US Army and it was through her work as a flight instructor that she discovered an interest in education. This school year she begins her 10th year in public education as a seventh grade science teacher at Coal City Middle School.
In her first year at CCMS, Koca is looking to get to know the students and staff and teach her students that science is not only fun and cool, but everywhere.
The success of her students, she said, is measured by their ability to explain the topic of discussion and how it can be used.
It was the “amazing academics” that drew Koca to seek a position with the Coal City School District. She previously taught at Manteno Middle School and Reed-Custer Middle and Elementary Schools.
During her 27 years in the military, Koca was a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot and maintenance test pilot. As was her husband who she met during their service.
The couple now resides locally and have two college age children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and shopping.
Cade Mueller returns to his hometown as Coal City Early Childhood Center’s new physical education and health teacher.
A Coaler graduate, Cade is excited to return to his home district and wants to make the same impact on his students that his teachers made on him. Those educators and his parents are what inspired him to pursue a career in education.
As a teacher his goals are to share with his students the importance of staying physically fit and in doing so it can be fun. He wants them to take from his class the knowledge of being safe and respectful.
Cade looks forward to getting to know his students—all 409 Pre-K to first graders—and being a positive role model for them.
In addition to his teaching assignment, Cade will be coaching the sophomore baseball team in spring 2026.
“I played college baseball for 5 years, even though golf is probably my best sport,” he said.
In his personal time, Cade can be found on the golf course, taking in a Cubs game, staying physically active and spending time with family and friends.
Nicholas Peters has been a paraprofessional—classroom aide—in the school district for three years and this school year he joins the staff as a sixth grade special education teacher at the Coal City Middle School where he will head the BD/ED program.
“Growing up seeing paraprofessionals work with students with disabilities inspired me to work in a school district that offered special education services. After undergrad working outside of the school system, I knew I wanted to be back,” Nick said.
A Coaler grad, Peters earned his degree from Illinois State University and completed his training through Teacher Ready with the University of West Florida.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach in the district,” Nick said.
With starting a new program at the middle school, Nick's goals revolve around making sure students and support staff feel prepared everyday. Additionally, he wants to become acclimated to teaching in the district as opposed to his work as an aide.
As a teacher, Nick said he wants to ensure his students know they are safe in his classroom, have the appropriate amount of support they need and have every opportunity to push past their self expectations.
“Even though they may have large feelings and possible trauma, they always have a safe place in my room.
At 6 feet, 8 inches tall, Nick is by far the tallest teacher in his building and quite possibly the school district.
He enjoys sports and will be coaching the eighth grade basketball team this school year. He also coaches for the Special Olympics.
In his free time he enjoys being outside—mostly on the water.
Sofia Rankin will be teaching fifth grade this year at Coal City Intermediate School. She earned her degree in elementary education from Augustana College and completed her student teaching in a first grade classroom in Rock Island and was a long term substitute teacher in Plainfield before assuming her position in Coal City.
“As I grew up, I knew teaching—especially at the elementary level—was where my passion and desire fell,” Sofia said, noting she has looked up to her mom who’s been an educator for the past 28 years.
In seeking a teaching position, Sofia shared she was drawn to Coal City due to its drive for student excellence and relationships. “I love how the small community allows for personal and meaningful relationships to thrive,” she said.
“I’m excited to get to know my students. I can’t wait to learn about them and their interests, passions, and learning styles. I want to make strong and positive connections with each student, and grow our classroom family,” Sofia said.
In her classroom student success is determined by how much growth occurs—knowledgability, socially, and emotionally as individuals.
Outside of school, Sofia enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, community service activities, assisting others and babysitting—children and animals.
Hannah Shirkey will begin her teaching career as the new pre-kindergarten teacher at Coal City Early Childhood Center.
“I grew up in Coal City, so it’s always felt like home to me,” Hannah said of returning to her home district, adding, “It’s also an amazing and supportive district that I’m excited to start my teaching career in.”
Hannah said she has always loved working with children and that is what sparked her interest in the field of education. “I love to see the spark in a student's eyes when they learn something new or find something that interests them. Teaching is truly a rewarding career, and I’m glad I get to be a part of it,” she said.
In her first year of teaching, Hannah’s goals are to build connections with the families and students in the community and to learn from other teachers in the school and district, “because it's great hearing new ideas to incorporate into every day teaching.”
Hannah is excited to meet her first group of students and says it's so fun getting to meet new faces and create lasting connections.
As the school year gets underway she is looking for everyone to begin the class day with a positive attitude and smile on their face.
In her personal time she enjoys getting outdoors, but she also likes a good movie or puzzle night, and spending time with her two “adorable cats.”
Most of all, “I’m excited for this school year,” Hannah said.