Belleville School District 118 welcomes eight new teachers. Get to know them
Students and their families aren’t the only ones preparing for the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Teachers have been hard at work preparing their classrooms, lessons and more. At Belleville School District 118, there are a handful of new teachers on the team.
To help families get to know the new teachers, we sent out questionnaires. We asked about each new teacher’s education, experience, hopes for the new school year and more.
Many of these teachers are brand-new to the district. Elizabeth Eubanks is no stranger to Belleville 118, as she previously worked for the district as a paraprofessional. Neither is Kristy Frawley, who is returning to Belleville after spending time in Fairview Heights.
Three of the newly hired teachers declined to fill out the questionnaire or did not respond: Social/emotional learning disabilities teacher at Jefferson Elementary Julieanna Chapman, pre-K teacher at Abe Lincoln Elementary LaTosha Mckinney and autism teacher at Westhaven Elementary Emma Schutzenhofer.
Here is what our seven respondents said:
Elizabeth Eubanks, TEAM/Title I teacher at Westhaven Elementary
Education:
Bachelor of Science in education - elementary education
Previous experience:
Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention (MTSS/RTI) paraprofessional - Jefferson Elementary in Belleville and Roosevelt Elementary in Belleville
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
When we all work together (parents, students, teachers and admin) we make a great T.E.A.M. Although TEAM Time is a short part of our day, I promise to create an environment where students feel cared for, comfortable and supported in reaching their full potential.
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
I’m most excited to take what I’ve learned from college courses and my experience as a para and bring it into the classroom in a leadership role. Being a part of the Westhaven community is something I’m truly looking forward to, and I’m eager to learn from my co-teachers and discover the best ways to support and uplift my students so they can thrive both academically and personally.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I discovered a true passion for helping children reach their academic goals. As an MTSS professional, I supported students across a wide range of academic levels and loved working with different age groups from kindergarten through 6th grade. What makes my journey especially meaningful is that I come from humble beginnings — I didn’t always value education, and at one point, I didn’t believe college was in my future. But through hard work and determination, I not only earned my degree, I’m now pursuing my master’s. Because of my background, I’m able to build strong, genuine connections with students who may be facing challenges of their own. I’ve walked a path that helps me understand where some of them are coming from, and I use my story to show them that they are capable, resilient and can do hard things. My goal is to not only teach, but to inspire and empower every student I meet.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not in the classroom, I love tapping into my creative side through art and puzzles. I enjoy staying active — whether it’s going to the gym, rollerblading or taking walks in nature. One of my favorite things is playing sports with my kids or cheering them on from the sidelines. Traveling and marking things off my bucket list fills me with excitement and reminds me how much there is to explore, learn and live for.
Kristy Frawley, 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at West Junior High
Education:
Bachelor of Science in middle level education (Illinois State University) and Master of Arts in administration (SIUE)
Previous experience:
(I taught) 5th grade and then 8th grade science at West Junior High, then took a principal position at Holy Trinity in Fairview Heights
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
Middle school is such a special time, and I truly love teaching this age group. After time as a school principal, I’m thrilled to be back where I belong — in the classroom. To my students: I can’t wait to learn, laugh, and grow with you. This will be a place where you are seen, heard and valued. To families: I believe in strong partnerships and open communication and I look forward to watching your child grow into adulthood cheering them on beside you.
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
A few months ago at the board office I ran into a colleague and (she) shared she was so excited to hear I was coming back. She said “welcome home!” District 118 is a truly a special place and I could not be more excited to be back with my West Jr High Family!
What made you want to become a teacher?
Growing up my Aunt Linda taught middle school and gave me the opportunity to help her set up her classroom every summer. Additionally, I had fabulous teachers who always encouraged my interest in teaching. From an early age my younger brother was my first student in my make-shift classroom in my bedroom.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not teaching I am at the soccer/baseball fields or gymnastics/dance studio with my three kids. I love to read and especially look forward to book club with my two best friends.
Lauren Keys, early childhood teacher at Jefferson Elementary
Education:
Associate’s degree in early childhood education from SWIC and bachelor’s in early childhood education with an ECE special education letter of approval from SIUE
Previous experience:
(I taught in) East Alton School District 13 for nine years in pre-K/early childhood, kindergarten, 2nd grade and 3rd grade.
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
Once a child has passed through my classroom I will always see them as one of my own. I have two children at home, but hundreds in my heart. I look forward to working with my students and their families to help each one reach their potential by providing an education in a loving and inclusive classroom.
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
Meeting all my new families and returning not only to an early childhood setting, but to the school community I grew up in
What made you want to become a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school. I have a love of learning that has never diminished and teaching has allowed me to share that love with others who otherwise may not see school in that light.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
Relaxing at home with my family, reading, listening to audiobooks and my whole family is active in scouts at both the pack and troop levels
Kariann Lillie, pre-K teacher at Washington School
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Education:
Master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University
Previous experience:
I taught kindergarten with District 90.
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
I am very excited to be a part of District 118! I absolutely love my job and building lasting relationships with my students and families. I hope to build a life-long love for school for all my students and can’t wait to meet them!
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
Meeting my new students and their families.
What made you want to become a teacher?
Helping those students who need extra love and support. I love getting the chance to help teach children how to be kind, wonderful humans at such a young age.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my family and friends. I love yoga and traveling!
Rebekah Loehr, early childhood teacher at Jefferson Elementary
Education:
I just graduated with my bachelor’s in early childhood education
Previous experience:
I was a paraprofessional for seven years in Granite City before receiving my degree!
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
I cannot wait to meet my students and families; I cannot wait to share my heart with all of my new students!
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
I am very excited about having my first teaching job and that I am able to teach students that I have a big heart for!
What made you want to become a teacher?
I have always been drawn to children, and when I became a mom, I didn’t think it was in the cards for me anymore. My oldest is 16, so I have had some time to think about what I wanted to do, and when I decided to go back to school, everyone said ‘that makes sense.’ It was a no brainer for me, I love my students, and when my son was diagnosed with autism, it brought a whole new meaning to the love that I had and made me realize that this is where my heart is, and I want to be able to make my students feel the same!
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
My family and I like to go to the movies, especially the drive-in in Litchfield. In the fall, we are band competition people — my oldest plays in the marching band in Granite City. In the winter and spring, we are theatre people — my oldest two like musicals and acting! I enjoy spending time with my husband and my three children!
Nicole Mueller, 8th grade English language arts teacher at Central Junior High
Education:
Master’s in education
Previous experience:
I previously taught at Freeburg District 70 for 16 years. I have taught 1st grade self-contained, 4th grade self-contained, 5th grade science and social studies, and 6th grade science and language arts.
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
I am looking forward to getting to know all of you and working together to further your success. I am genuinely excited to be part of such an amazing district.
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
I have already been given such a warm welcome and look forward to working with all of the wonderful staff. I love watching students grow academically and feel honored to be part of their journey to success.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I have always had a love of learning and wanted to have a positive impact on others’ academic paths.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
I value spending time with my family. We love the outdoors and enjoy camping, kayaking and hiking.
Morgan Triefenbach (Ms. Morgan), 5th grade teacher at Franklin Elementary
Education:
DePaul University - Bachelor of Science in elementary education, Western Governors University M.B.A, Western Governors University Master of Science in curriculum & instruction
Previous experience:
I have spent the past three years teaching 5th and 6th grade English language arts for Chicago Public Schools.
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
I’m incredibly excited to begin this school year as a 5th grade teacher at Franklin Elementary! I am especially excited because I’ll be teaching at the very school I attended as a child. Returning as an educator to the place where my own love of learning began is truly special. Families, I value your partnership and look forward to working closely with you to make this a successful and rewarding year for your child. Let’s make it a great one!
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
I’m most excited to build a strong classroom community where students feel confident, curious and motivated to learn. As we begin the 2025–26 school year, I’m looking forward to getting to know each student not just academically but personally! I’m also especially excited to give back to the school that helped shape who I am, and to create new memories with this next generation of learners.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I wanted to make a positive impact in students’ lives the way so many of my own teachers did for me. Growing up, I was inspired by educators who believed in me, challenged me and helped me discover my potential. That experience sparked my passion for learning and a desire to create that same supportive, empowering environment for my students.
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
After living in Chicago for the past seven years, I’m excited to be back in the area, and spending time with my family is especially important to me. I also enjoy reading, trying new recipes and finding fun local spots to explore. When I’m not teaching, I also love spending time with my dog and taking him on walks! I also enjoy baking, and currently, I am on my sourdough bread journey and am constantly trying new recipes.
Kris Salmi, TEAM/Title I teacher at Jefferson Elementary
Education:
- Concordia University St. Paul, Bachelor of Arts in elementary education
- Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, Master of Education in early childhood education
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, Reading Specialist Certification Program
- Scottish Rite of South Texas, San Antonio, TX, Certified Academic Language Practitioner, Certified Academic Language Practitioner (ALTA) for Dyslexia Instruction
Previous experience:
I am a proud military spouse and have lived in many places, allowing me to teach in various states and locations, including Minnesota, Georgia, Delaware, Virginia, Texas and now Illinois. I have taught 2nd grade, 5th grade and middle school, and served as a math interventionist and a reading specialist.
What do you want to tell your future students and their families?
I am thrilled to be joining the amazing Jefferson family! I am looking forward to getting to know our students! We will learn and grow together every day!
I look forward to meeting parents and working closely to build partnerships to help each student succeed!
What are you most excited for in the 2025-26 school year?
I am very excited to be Jefferson All In!
What made you want to become a teacher?
I love working with children and believe in the power of education to change lives!
When you’re not teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my family, and English Lab, Coulee! I love reading and traveling!