 Rebecca E. Bimler, ECEC Asst. Director and Head Kindergarten Teacher I am blessed to have joined the ministry team here at Zion Lutheran Church and School, in the dual role of Assistant Director of the early Childhood Education Center and the head teacher and developer of our full-day Kindergarten program. For the past five years I have taught Kindergarten at Concordia University Chicago’s Early Childhood Center and was also an adjunct professor in the Education Department of the University. I received my Masters in Early Childhood from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. I have taught throughout the United States and around the world. I’ve served as a volunteer missionary teacher for two years in the highlands of Papua New Guinea as well as teaching for three years at the International School Hong Kong. I’m involved in a variety of leadership roles within the Lutheran church and write and lecture on many aspects of Early Childhood Education. I am a wife to Bob, a mother to Abbey, and an active member in ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Batavia, Illinois. |
 JoAnn Clarke, K+ Teacher I am excited to bring my past experiences to Zion Lutheran School. I have worked with pre-school, kindergarten, and primary age students. I enjoy helping all my students reach their potential while discovering more about reading, writing, math, history and science. I believe that learning is a process and with the right prompts and tools all children can be successful. I also believe that students learn at various levels and that they need to be challenged and guided to ensure an enriching experience. I will provide my students with support and encouragement throughout the year. I am looking forward to a rewarding and fulfilling year. |
 Patti Mink, Teacher Assistant I am pleased to be joining the staff at Zion Lutheran. My educational background includes a teaching degree from NIU (majored in Special ED) and I also worked for many years as an Oncology RN. After adopting my two sons, I embraced motherhood and worked part-time for a few years. That time of my life was a gift, as I was able to volunteer in my sons' classrooms. I truly loved working with young children, and I was fortunate to be hired as a preschool teacher in 2000. My children are now in HS, but I am still happily working with the little ones! It is a rewarding experience to support and encourage each child as they begin their journey in school. I am looking forward to assisting in the K+ afternoon class. |
 Marilyn Lockwood, Administrative Assistant Before moving to the Chicago area, I worked as a secretary to the managing partner of an accounting firm and was an executive assistant to a bank president in Bloomington. I am married and have a beautiful daughter whose great love is ballet. She is a junior at Downers Grove South. I really enjoy getting to know each child and their family throughout the school year. This is definitely the job I have enjoyed the most in my career. |
