401’s Newest Team Members

This article’s photos were taken by Communications & Social Media Specialist, Dave Porreca.

The 2026-27 school year is just around the corner, and District 401 is excited to welcome 25 new teachers and certified staff members to our schools! Each new team member brings a unique combination of skills, experiences, and talents that will contribute to the success of our students and school communities.

Earlier this week, staff gathered for New Teacher Orientation, an event that’s held to get our new educators prepared for their roles before the school year begins. Throughout the two day event, they learned about curriculum and instruction, safety practices, student services, multilingual supports, and instructional resources.

"New teacher orientation is an important step in helping our staff feel confident to start the school year," said Darek Naglak, Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction. "Our goal is to provide them with the resources, support, and connections they need to be successful from day one." At the event, new teachers also had the opportunity to meet with mentors and building administrators. It was a great way for them to become familiar with their schools before students return!

To learn a little more about the new faces at our buildings, check out the sections below!

(L-R) Jacqueline Grabill & Michael Privett

Jacqueline Grabill - Occupational Therapist 
She is ambidextrous!

Michael Privett - Special Education Teacher
He enjoys birdwatching as a hobby.

(L-R) Alyssa Glowacki, Jake Matthews, Jordanna Jones, Amber Pogorzelski, Hanna Bergstrom, & Laura Ihmoud (Not pictured: Noreen Bucher, Anna Canales)

Alyssa Glowacki - Speech-Language Pathologist
She has two goldendoodles!

Jake Matthews - Special Education Teacher
He is a shoe enthusiast and owns 35 pairs!

Jordanna Jones - School Psychologist
She has lived in four different states!

Amber Pogorzelski - 2nd Grade Teacher
She loves to refurbish vintage furniture.

Hanna Bergstrom - Special Education Teacher
She is the fourth of six children in her family.

Laura Ihmoud - Special Education Teacher
She previously worked for the district as a paraprofessional.

Not pictured in group photo:

Noreen Bucher - Art Teacher
She used to collect PEZ dispensers!

Anna Canales - Kindergarten Teacher
Outside of school, she is a professional florist.

(L-R) Alison Gross & Henry Hipp

Alison Gross - Science Teacher
She started acting at a young age and even has a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Performance.

Henry Hipp - Social Studies Teacher
He has a lucky birthday: 03/03/03!

(L-R) Nathan Couty, Rachel Weidner, Michelle Schultz, Vanessa Gonzalez, Kirby Dorner, Magda Sokolowska, Emily Ligocki, Vanessa Salazar, Paige Dold, Lauren Merkel, & Peter Mroz (Not pictured: Alvin Colon & Matthew Walsh)

Nathan Couty - Kinetic Wellness Teacher
He’s excited to be able to coach the student-athletes that he teaches.

Rachel Weidner - School Social Worker
She’s a big fan of crocheting. 

Michelle Schultz - Special Education Teacher
She used to live in Maui and taught at an elementary school there.

Vanessa Gonzalez - English Teacher
She loves to bake—specifically cookies, cakes, and sourdough bread!

Kirby Dorner - Math Teacher
She has “grandma” hobbies, including recently taking up needlepointing.

Magda Sokolowska - Special Education Teacher
She enjoys puzzles and brain teasers, which she says reflects her love of teaching!

Emily Ligocki - School Guidance Counselor
She loves browsing home design stores like T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.

Vanessa Salazar - School Psychologist
When she’s not at school, she loves going to the gym and playing soccer.

Paige Dold - School Guidance Counselor
She was previously cast as an extra on Chicago Fire!

Lauren Merkel - College & Career Counselor
She is a published author!

Pete Mroz - Special Education Teacher
He never stops learning and loves challenging himself through new experiences.

Not pictured in group photo:

Alvin Colon - Science Teacher
He studied engineering before finding his way to science!

Matthew Walsh - In-School Supervision Instructor
He works part-time security for Big Ten sporting events!

Congratulations and welcome to all of our new teachers and staff! We are excited to have you as part of the District 401 family and wish you a fantastic year ahead.