Ms. Katie Wienke was selected as a Special Education Administrator for Champaign Unit 4 Schools. Ms. Wienke began her career in education when she joined Champaign Ford Regional Office of Education as an Attendance Specialist/Educational Liaison from February 2000-August 2003. In August 2003, she joined Tuscola School District as a School Social Worker. For the 2006-2007 school year, Katie accepted the position of School Social Worker with Springfield School District #186. In August 2007, she rejoined Tuscola School District as a School Social Worker. After sixteen years in this position, Ms. Wienke will leave to join Unit 4 Schools as a Special Education Administrator.
Ms. Wienke earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (1998) and a Master of Social Work (2003), both from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She also earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration (2014) from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.
Katie brings a broad range of experiences to serve Unit 4 students, families, and staff. She is well versed in emotional and behavior support and intervention, IEP goal development and implementation, and direct and related educational services. Ms. Wienke is a veteran facilitator of individual and group counseling models as well as social assessment pieces. One of Katie's greatest strengths is her direct involvement and engagement with students and families. In her work, Ms. Wienke values relationships with others and advocating for what is best for students. We are excited to welcome Ms. Wienke to the administrative team.
Ms. Sarah Madden was selected as the Assistant Principal at Early Childhood Center. Ms. Madden began her career in education in August 1998 when she joined Rantoul City Schools in Rantoul, IL as a K-5 Music Teacher at Northview Elementary School. After eight years, in August 2006, she joined Unit 4 Schools as a K-5 Music Teacher at Robeson Elementary. In July 2023, Sarah will begin her first role as a school administrator when she joins the Early Childhood Center as Assistant Principal.
Ms. Madden holds a Bachelor of Music Education (1998) and a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership (2022), both from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Ms. Esther Ferguson was selected as the Assistant Principal/Summer School Principal at Garden Hills STEAM Academy. Esther began her career in education in August 1999 when she joined Unit 4 Schools as a Middle School Science Teacher at Franklin Middle School here in Champaign. Relocating to Marblehead, MA in August 2000, she joined Cohen Hillel Academy. During her three years with Cohen Hillel Academy, Esther served as a Science Teacher and Science and Computer Science Coordinator. During the 2003-2004 school year, Ms. Wilson served as a 5th Grade Teacher at Evansville Day School in Evansville, IN. From 2004-2018, she was employed with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Champaign, IL as a Development Specialist. In 2018 Esther joined Uncharted International in Evansville, IN as Director of Engagement. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, she became a 5th Grade Teacher at Tekoppel Elementary School in Evansville, IN. After two years in that role, Ms. Wilson joined Thompkins Middle School in Evansville, IN, as a Middle School Mentor Teacher. She will leave this position to rejoin Unit 4 Schools as an Assistant Principal/Summer School Principal at Garden Hill STEAM Academy.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a minor in Middle School Education, from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1999) and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Bethel College (2022).
Ms. Joanne Schnelle was selected as the Assistant Principal at Robeson Elementary School. Ms. Schnelle began her career in education in August 2008 when she joined Danville School District #118 as a 4th Grade Teacher. In August 2013, Joanne joined Unit 4 Schools when she was hired as an English/Language Arts Teacher at Jefferson Middle School. After ten years in that role, she will accept her first school administrator role as Assistant Principal of Robeson Elementary beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
Ms. Schnelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (2008), and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (2013) both from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.
Mr. Sean Smith was selected as the . Middle School Athletic Director/Dean of Students at Edison Middle School. Sean began his career in education in January 2017 when he joined Unit 4 Schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Jefferson Middle School. In November 2019, he was hired as an ED Resource Teacher at Edison Middle. After four years in that role, Sean will accept his first school administrator role as Middle School Athletic Director/Dean of Students at Edison beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Smith has other related experience as the Dance Coach at Jefferson for four years.
Mr. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (2014) and a Master of Education in Special Education from Grand Canyon University (2019). He is currently enrolled at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign graduate program in Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership.
Ms. Gabrielle Shaffer was selected as the Dean of Students at Franklin STEAM Academy. Ms. Shaffer began her career in education in August 2013 when she joined Sykes Elementary School in Jackson, MS, as an Elementary Teacher. After two years in that position, she relocated to Houston, TX and joined Aldine ISD as an Alternative Education Science Teacher. In August 2015, she joined Desoto ISD in Desoto, TX as an Alternative Education Science Teacher. In January 2018, she joined Covington County School District in Collins, MS when she was hired as a Middle School Math Teacher. After relocating to Central IL in August 2022, Gabrielle accepted a position as Middle School Science Teacher and Tiger Academy Alternative Education Teacher at Urbana School District 116. She has also supported students at DREAAM, Act-So, and Freedom School. Ms. Shaffer will leave this position to begin her first school administrator role as Dean of Students at Franklin STEAM Academy beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
Ms. Shaffer holds a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science (2012) and a Master of Education in Elementary Education (2015), both from Alcorn State University. She is currently enrolled at the Arkansas State University graduate program in Educational Leadership.
Mr. Jeremy Wills was selected as the Assistant Principal at Jefferson Middle School. Mr. Wills began his career in education in August 2016 when he joined Urbana School District #116 as a Science Teacher. In August 2018, Jeremy joined Unit 4 Schools when he was hired as a Middle School Science Teacher at Jefferson Middle School. After five years in that role, he will accept his first school administrator role as Assistant Principal of Jefferson Middle beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a minor in Secondary Education (2016), and a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership (2022) both from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Mr. Michael Hallden was selected as High School Assistant Principal at Centennial High School. Mr. Hallden began his career in education in August 1998 when he joined Carbondale Community High School in Carbondale, IL as a Special Education Teacher. From August 2000-June 2004, he served as a Special Education Teacher with the READY Program in the Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education. From July 2004-December 2011, Michael left teaching to pursue a career in Residential Construction and Home Improvements. During this time he worked as a Project Manager at Holloway Company in Sterling,VA and Owner of Karis Corporation in Mahomet, IL. In August 2011, he joined Unit 4 Schools as a Special Education Teacher at Jefferson Middle School. After six years in that position, he became a Special Education Teacher at Edison Middle School. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, Mr. Hallden joined Fisher School District 1 in Fisher, IL when he accepted the position of Special Education and Health Teacher. In January 2020, he rejoined Unit 4 Schools as a Special Education Teacher at Centennial High. He will leave this position to begin his first school administrator role as an Assistant Principal at Centennial High School.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Education, with a certificate in Athletic Training (1997) and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (2013), both from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. In May 1999, Michael obtained his Learning Disability and Behavior Disorder endorsement from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL.
Mr. Jamal Maatuka was selected as High School Dean of Students at Centennial High School. Prior to his career in education, Jamal was a successful entrepreneur in the Champaign community from 1996-2010. This time includes experience as an Owner/Publisher at Black Thought Publications, Owner/Operator at Village Day Care, and Broker/Real Estate Agent at Home Team Realty. He also has other managerial experience as Manager of WBCP-AM from 1995-1996. Mr. Maatuka began his career in education in August 2010 when he joined Unit 4 Schools as a Business Teacher at Central High. He has held this position for the past 13 years. In July 2023, Jamal will begin his first role as a school administrator when he joins Centennial High School as Dean of Students.
Mr. Maatuka holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance (1993) and a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing (1995), both from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In May 2010, Jamal obtained his teaching licensure with certification in Secondary Education from Eastern Illinois University. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Principal Licensure (2013) from Concordia University in Chicago, IL.