CHARLESTON, IL – Eastern Illinois University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program continues to prepare the next generation of classroom leaders, with students earning residency placements in school districts throughout Illinois for the 2026-27 academic year.
This year’s residency placements demonstrate the statewide reach of EIU’s online teacher preparation programs. Future educators will complete immersive, year-long classroom experiences in communities ranging from the Chicago metropolitan area to central and southern Illinois, partnering with experienced mentor teachers while gaining the practical skills needed to lead classrooms of their own.
MAT residency placements this upcoming academic year are taking place from Wadsworth to Goreville and from Paris to Galesburg, spanning 24 unique Illinois counties. The focus of the residencies comprises biology, business, Earth science, elementary education, English, math, physics, and Spanish.
Special Education (SPE MAT) residency placements are also part of EIU’s 2026-27 Illinois assignments. They include: Alton: Tabi Fulton; Buffalo Grove: Meredith Dean; Carpentersville: Leslie Meza; Casey: Dawson Dallape; Catlin: Jennifer Byers; Charleston: Brock Warren; Champaign: Kari Flodstrom (Fabley), Sandy Flores, Savannah Matthews, Morgan Vonner; Chicago: Jetjon Bebo, Claire Lyons, Amaya Vazquez; Danville: Ryan Curtis, Nikki Duffy; Decatur: Jasmine Plowman; Downers Grove: Trevor Cassens; Edinburg: Brittanie Franklin; Evanston: Nicole McCray, Jelani Summers; Flora: Leslie Bowling; Fowler: Maria Houston; Geneva: Amanda Wright; Geneseo: Blake Laingen; Gurnee: Shawna DeSecki; Hutsonville: Abby Gangloff; Jacksonville: Brandon Hungerford; Libertyville: Brian Mueting; McHenry: Amanda Setzer; Medinah: David Lanciotti; Mendota: Reid Wixom; Mt. Vernon: Jodi Downey; New Lenox: Matthew O’Malley; Olney: Lisa Kandalec; Oswego: Lexy Rodriguez; Pana: Candace DeClerck; Peru: Sydnee Wright; Rantoul: Valerie Coleman, Krissy Guhl; Robbins: Claudia Garcia; Robinson: Kendall Jenkins; Ruma: Kaleigh Masterson; Sauk Village: Mary Ann Carreon; Schaumburg: Haley Parpet; Skokie: Jack Tempone; Tuscola: Becca Dunn; Urbana: Jon Parrish, Nimrod Serrano; Villa Grove: Sonya Williams; Washington: Danielle Montgomery; Westmont: Cherese Caston, Joshua Ott; Wheeling: Tamara Harrington (Randal).
In total, 90 residency placements will place EIU teacher candidates in classrooms across dozens of Illinois communities, reinforcing the University’s longstanding commitment to meeting educator workforce needs throughout the state.
Teacher residencies provide aspiring educators with extensive, hands-on experience working alongside accomplished mentor teachers while completing graduate coursework. The model allows candidates to refine instructional practices, build meaningful relationships with students and school communities, and enter the profession with the confidence and experience districts seek.
“At Eastern Illinois University, preparing exceptional educators has long been one of our defining strengths,” said Executive Director of Educator Preparation, Licensure, and Assessment at EIU Dr. Stephen Lucas. “These residency placements represent more than a milestone for our students-they reflect our continued commitment to supplying Illinois schools with highly qualified, compassionate educators who are ready to make an immediate impact in classrooms across the State.”
EIU’s teacher preparation programs continue to align with the evolving needs of Illinois schools by preparing educators in high-demand content areas, elementary education and special education. Through strong partnerships with school districts across the state, EIU graduates leave the university with the classroom experience, professional credentials and leadership skills needed to support district priorities, improve student outcomes and advance statewide education initiatives.
As Illinois continues to address educator shortages and strengthen its teacher workforce, Eastern Illinois University remains a trusted partner in preparing the next generation of educators dedicated to serving students in communities large and small throughout the state.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.