Gerri Songer, Neighbor

Background.

As an educator for Township High School District 214, I understand the necessity of sharing information. In fact, I frequently write about education reform, standardized assessments, and legislation to help colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Several articles on the topic of standardized assessment were highlighted by Diane Ravitch, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education serving both George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. Currently, in my role as Education Chair for the District 214 Education Association, I am working to support the implementation of Civics Education as a graduation requirement as outlined in new legislative mandates.

I place a high value on education and hold four degrees, including Educational Leadership and Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and English/Language Arts.

I’m an educator, administrator, volunteer, mom, and proud grandmother of my 2-year old grandson. I’m not a career politician. I’m a long-time resident of Hawthorn Woods – my family has lived in Lake County for more than 28 years. As your County Board Member, I will put my life and career experiences to work for US to promote the issues WE feel are important.

CREDENTIALS

Education.

Concordia University – M.A., Curriculum and Instruction

National-Louis University – C.A.S., Educational Leadership

National-Louis University – M.A., Special Education: LBS I

Lake Forest College – B.A., English

(concentration on writing and additional courses in secondary education)

Certification.

Illinois State Administrative Certificate: Number 2157203; Type 75; Valid for: K-12; Endorsements: General Administrative

Illinois State Teaching Certificate: Number 1840765; Type10; Valid for: Special Education K-12; Endorsements: Learning Behavior Specialist I, Learning Disabilities and Social/Emotional Disorders

Illinois State Teaching Certificate: Number 1840764; Type 09; Valid for: High School 6- 12; Endorsements: English and Language Arts

Highly Qualified Subject Areas.

English (grades 9-12), English as a Second Language, Journalism (grades 9-12), Language Arts (grades 1-8), Reading, Speech (grades 9-12), and Title I Remedial Reading

Civic Involvement.

District 214 Education Association, Education Chair

Sierra Club Member and Speaker

Livable Lake County Volunteer

Co-Curricular Sponsor, Students 4 Democracy

Instructor, St. Mary’s Church of Buffalo Grove

Youth Ministry Volunteer, The Chapel – Mundelein and Grayslake