New Teacher Feature - Part 1

We’re excited to welcome our newest certified staff members to Sycamore Community School District 427! As they begin their journey with us, we are taking the opportunity to introduce you to the educators who will be helping our students learn, grow, and thrive throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Over the next four New Teacher Features, you’ll get to know our new teachers a little better through a Q&A highlighting their backgrounds, experiences, interests, and what they’re looking forward to most about joining our district. We invite you to meet the newest members of our school community!

Ms. Reagan Riley

Kindergarten Teacher at North Elementary School

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
A school memory that still impacts me today is illustrating a children's book that my grandma published when I was eight years old. She was a teacher for many years, and her love of education inspired me from a young age. Her encouragement helped shape my passion for teaching and the kind of teacher I hope to be for my students.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I chose to become a teacher because I discovered a true passion for early childhood education. I love helping young learners grow in confidence, discover new things, and build a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Ever since I was little, I've loved everything about school. Shopping for school supplies was one of my favorite traditions each year! That excitement has stayed with me and inspired me to create a classroom where students are excited to come to school every day.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
My favorite thing about Sycamore so far is the strong sense of community. Since moving here and becoming part of the Sycamore school community, I've felt incredibly welcomed and supported. It's clear that the district, staff, families, and community all genuinely care about one another and work together to help students succeed. I feel so fortunate to begin my career in a place like Sycamore that values connection, collaboration, and creating a positive environment where every child can thrive.

Mrs. April West

1st grade teacher at South Prairie Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to go camping and hiking, and I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible. I also like to read, vacation at the beach, and spend time with my family.

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
I was very shy in my early school years, and in second grade I had a teacher who had a big impact on me. She greeted me at the door every morning, always made me feel welcome, and told me about all the exciting things we were going to do that day. Her kindness helped me to feel safe and comfortable at school, and because of her, I looked forward to school each day.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I've always enjoyed working with young children, and I wanted a career where I could make a positive impact. I enjoy building relationships with students and their families, and creating a classroom where students feel supported and excited to learn.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
I love the small town feel of Sycamore and the strong sense of community. I also love how welcoming the schools feel. The families, teachers, and staff all work together to support students, which is exactly the kind of environment I want to be a part of.

Miss Abby Golembiewski

2nd grade teacher at West Elementary School

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend my free time playing tennis, going for walks, and playing board games with my family.

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
I taught tennis lessons for kids in grades K-5 all at the same time.

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
When I was in kindergarten, we made a 100-day craft. I decided to make a chandelier out of a butter lid, string, and buttons.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I chose to become a teacher because I was inspired by the teachers I had growing up. I always look back at school and remember the teachers who came in every day with a smile and gave their all for every student. I want to be a teacher who reminds my students that they always have someone in their corner, rooting for them, just like all my previous teachers.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
My favorite thing about Sycamore is how everyone supports everyone.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Sycamore community?
I am very excited to begin my career in a community that has so much to offer students.

Mrs. Samantha Hubbard

3rd Grade Teacher at West Elementary School

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
Face painter!

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
During the 2020 pandemic, I was a senior in high school. My art teacher was one of my biggest supporters and I knew I wanted to be that for my students, which was the final push on my childhood dream of being a teacher.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?
My entire life I’ve wanted to be a teacher. My teachers growing up were amazing, and always inspired me to love learning. As I grew up, I went through very difficult things at home, and that furthered my belief that every child should feel at home and have a supporter, and I knew that is what I wanted to be.

Mrs. Morgan Buckner

5th Grade Teacher at North Elementary School

What's the most interesting job that you have ever had?
I was a leasing agent in college!

What school memory from when you were a student still impacts you today?
My teachers made a lasting impact on me by helping me build confidence as a quiet student who often quietly struggled. I was always embarrassed to ask for help, but they took the time to get to know me, which made me feel supported and capable. Remembering how much that meant to me, I now make it a priority in my own classroom to build connections with my students so they never feel too afraid to ask for help.

Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I chose to become a teacher because I have always loved school! When I was a student, I enjoyed helping my friends and classmates understand material they were stuck on. Now, getting to see that 'lightbulb' moment when everything clicks for my students is my favorite part of the job.

What is your favorite thing about Sycamore so far?
I am very much looking forward to teaching in the town I am raising my family in!

Stay tuned for Part 2 to meet more new educators!