Dunlap Grade School is excited to welcome three new classroom teachers to our team. Each new teacher has a passion for teaching and children. With individual strengths, each new teacher will make an excellent addition to our team.
In addition, Mr. Horrie was hired as our full-time custodian. Mr. Horrie joins us at Dunlap Grade from Banner Elementary School where he has served as the night time custodian for the past 6 years. Mr. Horrie has also served as a manager at a local grocery store for many years.
Welcome to the team, Mrs. Erikson, Miss Mahrt, Mr. Eckert, and Mr. Horrie!
Read on to learn more about our new teachers!
1st Grade Teacher: Mrs. Erikson
(Formerly Miss McKay)
1st Grade Teacher: Mrs. Erikson
Mrs. Erikson is excited to be joining the great families and staff at DGS as a first grade teacher! She earned an undergraduate degree in communications at Marquette University. She found her true passion lied in teaching. Mrs. Erikson received a Master’s in Teaching at the University of Southern California and completed her student teaching at Charter Oak Primary School and Harrison Learning Community Center in Peoria. This past year, she worked as a special education aide at DGS and learned and lived the values of the Dunlap community. Mrs. Erikson feels it is her job to facilitate learning for each student by personalizing the instruction, so every child can reach their potential at
their pace, while setting high expectations in the classroom. Mrs. Erikson states, “I look forward to all the wonderful experiences and memories that will be made at DGS and the relationships that will be built!”
3rd Grade Teacher: Miss Mahrt
3rd Grade Teacher: Miss Mahrt
Miss Samantha Mahrt is from Groveland, Illinois. She graduated from Morton High School in May of 2006, received an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Central College in May of 2008, and received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in May of 2010. During her time at Illinois State University, Miss Mahrt had the opportunity to take part in a year-long student teaching internship in Normal, Illinois. Her experiences prepared Miss Mahrt to differentiate and support the needs of all students. For the past two years, Miss Mahrt has been teaching third grade at New Holland-Middletown School in Middletown, Illinois. Miss Mahrt states, “It is my goal to challenge my students while making learning fun and exciting for them. Given the opportunity and support, I believe all students are capable of success. I am looking forward to continuing my teaching career as the new third grade teacher at Dunlap Grade School! I have heard so many great things about Dunlap Grade School, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
4th Grade Teacher: Mr. Eckert
4th Grade Teacher: Mr. Eckert
Dan Eckert is not a stranger to the Dunlap community. A 2010 graduate from Bradley University, Dan holds a degree in Elementary and Middle School Education. Having student taught in fourth grade at Wilder-Waite, Dan is thrilled to be returning to the district. Originally from Cary, Illinois, Dan just finished the school year working as a fifth grade classroom assistant at Fox River Grove Middle School in Fox River Grove, Illinois. Along with his previous experiences, Dan could not be more excited to start his teaching career at DGS. Dan is a firm believer in authentic and meaningful lessons that students can incorporate within their own lives. With that said, he cannot wait to establish a love of lifelong learning within his students.