Teaching and Learning

The Teaching and Learning department supports all learners' acquisition of knowledge and skills to be continuous learners and responsible, caring citizens within our global community.

Zion Elementary District 6 is committed to develop systems that foster and sustain continuous learning. These systems include:
  • Curriculum which provides students with real-world, relevant connections.

  • Professional development that focuses upon content instruction and effective instructional practices and assessments.

  • Intensive instruction to support diverse learners through English Learners, Bilingual Spanish Instruction, Reading and Math intervention support, Special Education programming options, Alternative Learning Environments, After School programming and Summer School.

  • District and school improvement processes to support continuous improvement.

RESOURCES

eLearning (Remote Learning) Plan [eng] [esp]
Remote learning days in replacement for an emergency non-attendance day

BRIDGES (Remote Individualized Education System) [eng]
Remote learning for students with qualifying health needs 


ASSESSMENTS

At Zion Elementary District 6, we are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world. To ensure that every student reaches their full potential, we administer a range of assessments that help us monitor their progress, identify areas of growth, and tailor instruction to meet their unique needs.

Our assessment program is designed to be informative, fair, and aligned with state and national educational standards. These assessments provide valuable insights into students' academic abilities, allowing us to measure their proficiency in subjects such as math, English language arts, science, and more. Additionally, we assess their critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and other essential competencies that are essential for future success.

We understand that assessment is not just about evaluating students' knowledge; it's about supporting their growth and development. Our dedicated educators use assessment data to adapt their teaching strategies, address learning gaps, and provide targeted support to students who may need it. We believe in a holistic approach to education that goes beyond test scores and fosters the development of well-rounded individuals.

As partners in your child's education, we encourage open communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and students. Together, we can ensure that our assessments play a vital role in helping each student reach their full potential.

Our assessment program includes:

State Assessments:

Local Assessments:

Meet Our Team

Donelle Staples

Donelle Staples
Director of Teaching and Learning
[email protected]
847-379-0111


Dr. Liz Gibbs
Dr. Elizabeth Gibbs
Curriculum Coordinator
[email protected]
847-379-0127

Dr. Tara Thomas Headshot
Dr. Tara Thomas BA, MAT
Academic Enrichment Coordinator
[email protected]
847-379-0077

Lisa Melody Headshot

Lisa Traska
Programming and Assessment Coordinator
l[email protected]
847-379-0126

Jennifer Sajovec Headshot

Jennifer Sajovec
Teaching and Learning Coordinator
[email protected]
847-379-0139

Kerri Gilbert
Kerri Gilbert
Instructional Program Coordinator
[email protected]
847-379-0071


Kim Hall Headshot
Kim Hall
Teaching and Learning Department Support
[email protected]
847-379-0118

Instructional Coaches 

Kamara Thaxter
[email protected]


Pam Kirkman-Bey

[email protected]



Jennifer Carlson

[email protected]

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