Hello! My name is Stephanie Pietrucha. I am originally from the south side of Chicago (Bridgeport), but currently live in Joliet, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago. I attended Illinois State University and studied Elementary Education and Art Education. I am a member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and Illinois Art Education Assoication (IAEA).

I chose to stay at ISU for a fifth year and become part of Pekin Professional Development School (PDS).The Pekin Professional Development School (PDS) is a year long partnership with Illinois State University and Pekin School District 108 that provides pre-professional teachers with the opportunity to develop a vast amount of practice and knowledge through interning and student teaching experiences. After the completion of the PDS program in May 2005, I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in Art, Language Arts, and Social Studies. 

I currently teach Art to 7th and 8th grade students at Homer Junior High School in Homer Glen, IL.  I am also in the process completing my Masters of Technology in Education at National Louis University in Lisle, IL. 

Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have had many influences and role models, but I think I have always had a calling to work with children. A teacher has the potential of influencing the lives of many children by showing the commitment they have to their students and their learning. The importance of educating students is to influence them into pursuing a positive attitude toward the possibility of learning new things. I just want a chance to express my ideas and someday be a role model for my students.