Who Am I? I am a communicator, designer, educator, wife, mother and lifelong learner. I currently reside in Wauconda, Illinois which is a small town located in the northeast corner of the state. I have lived in the local vicinity nearly all of my life. It is where I have met my husband, married, worked and have raised my children.
My paths throughout my adult professional career have seamlessly converged for the ability to offer my expertise and skills within the educational system as a Communications and Technology Director. My initial educational path led me to an undergraduate degree aligned with graphic design and electronic media. I was a graphic designer for 11 years, 7 of which I worked as an independent freelance designer for print materials for various companies in Lake and Cook counties. These years focus was targeted at marketing and print communications in the public sector. I transitioned into the education field as a second career when my own children were in the primary grades. I would visit their classrooms and was excited to participate within an environment that focused on exploration, creation and growth. I knew then that the educational setting was my future path. I returned to Trinity International University to acquire my Illinois teaching certificate. This program was a traditional, in-seat accelerated evening program aligned for adults desiring to teach. The program was termed "Reach to Teach". I began my teaching profession as a First Grade teacher at Big Hollow School District #38. While teaching I chose to continue my professional growth and education. I acquired a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Saint Mary's then following with two additional post graduate certificates. One, 21st Century Interventions and Learning from the University of Saint Francis and the other, E-learning and Online Teacher from the University of Wisconsin, Stout which offered an expansion of my communication skills to that which leverage an electronic landscape within the academic environment. Through my own educational experiences, in-seat and on-line, I have been apprised to the flexibility, differentiation, choice, control, and unique needs that electronic and physical environment messaging offers. My greatest knowledge acquisition, understanding, and growth has been synthesizing my previous career paths to develop and implement strategic communications within an educational setting. I am passionate about using my graphic design skills, educational experience and technical knowledge to continue to utilize and advance my expertise within communications to share the story of the institution both celebratory and informational but also educationally. |
At heart, I am a creator. What are my experiences? After entering the educational environment and teaching in the classroom for five years, I was promoted to the district RtI (Response-To-Intervention) Coordinator and became a member of the district's cabinet team. This position offered me my first experience with teaching our teachers how best to implement multi-tiered interventions to students in need of additional support academically and/or behaviorally. This opportunity also included development and branding of all materials and processes, community outreach and informational trainings for staff and families alike. This role was truly the beginning for my design, educational degrees, and management skills to converge within communications. I remained in that position for 3 years. I then advanced to an Educational Technology Director for the district to carry over my communications skills to further improvement of the Technology Department with the inclusion of website management, internal/external materials, and parent engagement trainings.
To broaden my experiences as a Director of Technology, I accepted a position at Zion Elementary District 6 . Within this position, bringing technology into the district to further support teaching practices, student learning and parent education was my focus. During my tenure my communication skills were utilized daily as management of the district website and communication materials were managed under my oversight. In 2017, the Communications Department was officially established. I remain the lead of the Communication and Technology Departments at this time. What do I enjoy? When not working, my true passion and hobby is creating and revitalizing; whether it be designing materials, embarking on craft projects, updating my home, or learning about alternative approaches to health, wellness, and whole being. I also enjoy cooking and the outdoors. |
Data Source:
Staples, Donelle. Donelle Staples photo. Digital image. N.p., 15 Sept. 2014. Wed. 18 Feb. 2015.
Staples, Donelle. Donelle Staples photo. Digital image. N.p., 15 Sept. 2014. Wed. 18 Feb. 2015.