Jefferson Elementary School -

I grew up in the rural township of Hutsonville. I moved to the Charleston area in 2001, while I was attending Eastern Illinois University. I graduated from EIU with a Bachelors of Science degree, with a focus on marketing. Teaching was not first career choice. However, through years of searching, teaching became my passion. I returned to EIU, and received my license to teach in 2014. I currently reside in Charleston, with my beautiful wife & precocious son. I have always enjoyed learning new things, which sparks my desire to teach others. My goal, each year, is to engage our students to be active learners, for them to seek to understand, and apply their knowledge to achieve their own goals. I love that teaching offers so many possibilities, to so many individuals, in a variety of ways. Teaching is the one true unifier of people. "Tell me & I forget. Teach me & I remember. Involve me & I learn." –Benjamin Franklin

I am so grateful to be teaching in Charleston CUSD #1. Students in this district have continued to impress me with their respect, their kindness, and their commitment to growth. While not a native of Charleston, I have lived in the area now for 8+ years, and am proud to call Charleston home. I attended EIU and graduated with my license to teach K-9, with special enhancements in Middle Level Math, Social Studies, and ELA. If I can be of any assistance, please reach out! I look forward to working together towards a brighter future for our students.

I grew up in Charleston, Illinois and I attended Jefferson Elementary School when I was in 5th and 6th grade! I am so excited to be back at JES as a 6th grade Math, Science, and Social Studies teacher! I graduated from Indiana State University in the spring of 2023 with my Bachelor's in Education. My goal is to show students how fun learning is and to develop my teaching career at the place where I first learned to love learning!

began teaching in 2021 after a career as a dietitian and several years at home raising my children. I have volunteered in the schools since my kids were in kindergarten, and through volunteering, I developed a strong interest in education and working with children. I also have been a substitute teacher and I helped with the Jr. Great Books gifted reading group at Carl Sandburg. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family. We live on a farm and raise sheep. I'm looking forward to another great school year!

Mrs. Schmidt teaches sixth grade at Jefferson Elementary School. She graduated from Charleston High School in 2016 and received her bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2020. When she's not teaching, Mrs. Schmidt loves spending time with her family, cuddling with her dogs Odin and Freya, performing, reading, and watching the latest Marvel movies/shows.

I grew up in California and moved around a few times until I landed in Charleston where I consider "home". I strive to learn and grow with the Charleston schools and community!

Hello! My name is Abby Wahl and I am a 6th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School. I grew up in Santa Claus, Indiana and attended Heritage Hills High School. After high school I attended Eastern Illinois University to attend school and play basketball. I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in 2022. Then, I moved to Utah for year to attend Utah State University to play basketball and earn my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in elementary math. I just got engaged in June and have two sweet pups that I love spending time with! I am excited to meet our 6th grade students and families! It's going to be an amazing year!

Hello! After graduating from EIU, my husband and I decided to raise our family in this area. Previously, I spent half a year teaching 5th grade ELA in Tolono and 2 years teaching 4th grade in Mattoon. I am very excited to bring this experience to CUSD1!

Hi! I'm a third grade teacher at Carl Sandburg School. I started my teaching career in 2017 but this is my first year teaching in the Charleston School District. I am so excited to be here! I am looking forward to a great year!

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Upon graduating high school, I came to Charleston, Illinois to attend Eastern Illinois University for my Bachelors in Special Education and Art Education. I have also received my Masters in Special Education from EIU. I started in the Charleston School District in January of 2019 as a Special Education teacher and have been here ever since. I live in Charleston with my husband, son and dog. I enjoy soccer and bowling. I am also a huge coffee and dog lover.

Mrs. Babcock grew up in Vandalia, Illinois and then moved to Charleston to attend Eastern Illinois University. While at EIU, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She later earned her teacher's certification in Special Education through the Golden Apple Accelerators program. In her free time, Mrs. Babcock enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog Daisy. She also enjoys camping, reading, listening to music, riding her bike, and hiking in the woods.

My name is Becky Hayes and I have had the privilege of being part of the Jefferson Elementary community since the 2017-2018 school year, after spending 15 years at alternative schools. Jefferson Elementary has given me the opportunity to expand my skills and grow right along with the students. I have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren. I love helping and watching my students learn and grow into young adults. Thank you for sharing your child with me.

Hello! My name is Michelle King, and this is my 2nd year as a LBS 1 teacher at Jefferson Elementary. I have received my bachelor's degree and master's from EIU. This year will be my 12th year teaching special education and my 2nd year in the Charleston school district. I am looking forward to this new school year adventure and to continue to be able to work with some amazing staff and students.

Hello! Mrs. Shambo has been teaching Special Education at Jefferson Elementary School since 2016! She was born in Shelbyville IL, lived in Ashmore IL and has lived in Charleston since 2nd grade. Mrs. Shambo earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood and Standard Special Education in 2015. Mrs. Shambo lives in Charleston with her husband, and they have 2 children, Brayden- 26 and Madison-21. She enjoys spending time with friends, gardening, traveling and coffee! Feel free to contact Mrs. Shambo anytime!