About Us
OUR ROOTS
Founded in 1942 by a community of parents and educators, GJK is a nonprofit, premier preschool serving children ages 1-5 and known for exceeding early childhood education standards.
For over 80 years, we have prepared children for kindergarten—and the world beyond—through a dynamic, child-centered and play-based approach.
Many of our current students have deep-rooted connections to GJK, with parents and grandparents who once walked these same halls—creating a cherished tradition that spans generations. If you are an GJK alumni, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line via the contact page to say hello.
OUR CORE VALUES
At the heart of everything…
Glencoe Junior Kindergarten is a truly special place built on a strong sense of community, the deep commitment of our educators, and the close partnership between teachers and families.
Community
GJK feels like a home away from home, where children are nurtured, supported, and encouraged to grow through play-based learning. In addition to providing quality education, GJK fosters a strong culture of community – a place where families feel they truly belong.
Commitment
Our dedicated teachers bring experience, passion, and care to every classroom, ensuring that each child feels confident, safe, and excited to learn.
Connection
The involvement and warmth of our parents create a collaborative environment where students thrive. As one teacher beautifully put it, “There is love in these walls.”
OUR EDUCATORS
Our dedicated educators are the heart of GJK.
They are warm, creative, enthusiastic, passionate, and committed to the growth and development of every child in their care. By embracing each child’s curiosity, they guide classroom activities based on their questions and interests. Our teachers are lifelong learners, committed to expanding their expertise through ongoing professional development in early child education, health, and educational best practices. Each year, they complete a minimum of 15 hours of required continuing education.
OUR PARENT BOARD
The Executive Board partners with GJK’s Director to guide our school.
GJK’s volunteer, parent-run board is elected annually and plays a vital role in shaping the school’s operations and policies alongside our Director. Together, they oversee budgets, coordinate fundraising efforts, plan educational and social events, and ensure new families feel welcomed into the GJK community. The General Board, which includes room parents and key committees, supports and enriches the school experience. Applications for the following school year are typically sent out in February or March.
Learn More About Our Educators
Miss Laura
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Position: Director
Education: Michigan State University, B.A. in Communication; North Park University, Early Childhood Teaching Certificate; and Northeastern Illinois University, Masters in Reading
Background: Before joining GJK, I spent 18 years at a private preschool-8th grade school in Chicago, where I taught Kindergarten and 3rd grade. I also designed and led their preschool programs, bringing my passion for early childhood learning to life!
Years in Education: 25 yearsYears at GJK: 5 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Reading
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: Traveling, time with my teenager, and my dog.
Miss Amy
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Position: 3s Lead Teacher
Education: Northeastern University, B.A. in Elementary Education with Middle School Social Science and Biological Science endorsements; 18 hours of Graduate Study in Reading; Children's Yoga Certification
Years in Education: 21 years
Years at GJK: 3 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Gardening and crafting.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I am also a Disney travel planner (I love Disney!). Fun fact--I got married in a hot air balloon in California.
Miss Andrea
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Position: 2s Lead Teacher MWF
3s Assistant Teacher T/THEducation: Eastern Michigan University, B.S. Early Childhood Education
Years in Education: 25 years
Years at GJK: 11 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Reading
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: Will have 2 kids in two different Big 10 schools next year!
Miss Claudia
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Position: 2As MWF Assistant
Education: Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Educational Studies; Returning to school Spring of 2026 to become a teacher.
Years in Education: First year in a school program and first year at GJK (2026) - but many years in child care with GJK families!
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: When I am not at school, I am either subbing at South School or assisting at Art Party. I also babysit for multiple families in the community. I am often called Mary Poppins and it feels like an honor!
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I love to travel!I have been to over 20 countries and 70 cities. I am a die hard Bad Bunny fan!
Miss Diane
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Position: 3s Lead Teacher & 4s LeadTeacher
Education: Harper College, Early Childhood Education;
CLC specialty Early Childhood Classes
CDAYears in Education: 20 years
Years at GJK: 16 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Art! I have a passion for all things art. I love to scaffold the children as they create their own art. Children immerse themselves in art that makes them feel good, and expresses their thoughts and creativity. I love guiding them and giving them opportunities to take artistic risks, feel confident and love the process.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: Gardening is another passion that I adore. I grow everything from flowers to vegetables. I’m proud to say I am a certified Master Gardener, and previous to coming to GJK I volunteered in the children’s garden at The Chicago Botanic Garden. I have worked seasonally for a small local greenhouse for over 25 years, it is truly a labor of love!
Miss Margie
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Position: 4A co-Lead
Education: Washington College - BA in Art History
Simmons College, Boston, MA. - Master's in Teaching
Years in Education: 26 years
Years at GJK: 1st year at GJK
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: I love illustrating, designing, reading children’s books, and creating things by hand. I enjoy bringing these interests into the classroom through creative activities, meaningful stories, and playful ways to help children understand their feelings, build friendships, and develop kindness and empathy.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I’m a mom of three, a dog lover, and a travel enthusiast. I love playing tennis and pickleball, reading, taking long walks, and starting my mornings with a cup of coffee. I’ve always loved being creative, whether it’s illustrating, designing, or coming up with something new. I’m happiest when I’m spending time with family and friends!
Miss Hannah
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Position: 3s Lead Teacher & Food Manager
Education: Elmhurst University, Bachelors in Psychology; Erikson University, Masters in Child Development (specializing in 0-3)
Years in Education: 13 years
Years at GJK: 4 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: I love reading.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I like to sew.
Miss Jaclyn
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Position: 4s Lead Teacher
4s Enrichment TeacherEducation: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education Endorsement
Years in Education: 4 years
Years at GJK: 2 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Reading and writing.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I love spending time with my family and dog. I love the outdoors, painting, and reading.
Miss Steffy
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Position: 2A Lead Teacher
Education: Education: B.A. Early Childhood Education, Universidad San Buenaventura. M.A. Education, North Park University.
Years in Education: 9 years
Years at GJK: 2 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: I enjoy hands-on learning, creating sensory experiences, and continuing to learn about new strategies in early childhood education
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I love doing crafts and have recently started learning embroidery. I also enjoy reading, listening to audiobooks, and I love dancing. I speak both English and Spanish.
Miss Kim
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Position: 2s Lead Teacher
Education: University of Illinois, Human Development and Families Studies; Loyola University Chicago, Masters in Special Education
Years in Education: 25 years
Years at GJK: 12 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Special education
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I have twins that are graduating high school in 2025 and going to college.
Miss Margaret
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Position: 3s Lead Teacher
Enrichment Support
Administration AssistantEducation: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Years in Education: 25 years
Years at GJK: 22 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Taking early childhood educational classes online and professional development hours at school.
I have three grandchildren, and we have a lot of fun reading together, playing games, and doing fun science activities together or just playing together.Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I love walking, taking care of my family, and being with my grandchildren.
Miss Lily
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Position: 2Bs Assistant Teacher
Education: University of Alabama, B.S. in Social Work
Years in Education: 1
Years at GJK: 1
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: When I’m not in the classroom, I love reading and getting creative through arts and crafts. I especially enjoy making my own jewelry and painting, and I love finding fun, hands-on ways to be creative.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I attended GJK camp growing up, so it feels very full-circle to now be back as part of the GJK community! Outside of work, I love staying active and enjoy playing tennis and doing Pilates.
Mrs. Pierce
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Position: 2s Lead Teacher
Education: Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education; Purdue, Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology; Erikson Institute, Masters in Child Development
Years in Education: 40 years
Years at GJK: 25 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Research, reading, and conferences.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: Walking, traveling, and playing with my grandson.
Miss Susan
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Position: 3s Assistant Teacher
4s Assistant TeacherEducation: Oakton College, Associate of Arts Degree
Years in Education: 5 years
Years at GJK: 3 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: I love to read in my spare time. I always enjoyed reading to children too!
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I enjoy music and I love to go to concerts. I also love being with my family,--any time I can get time with them is a joy!
Miss Laurie
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Position: 4A Lead Co-teacher
Education: Albion College, B.A. English, National Louis University, M.A.T. Elementary Education.
Years in Education: 15 years
Years at GJK: 1 year
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: I enjoy reading, and working on continuing ed.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I have 4 kids ages 17-26. I enjoy walking, traveling, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with my children and dog.
Miss Dayna
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Postion: Enrichment Teacher
Education: Graduated with a Masters as an LCPC and a PEL
Years in Education: 18
Years at GJK: 13
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: When I'm not teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband, 3 children and my dog. I also love to read, cook, and exercise.
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: My children went to GJK and had some of the teachers that are still here, so I know from experience what a special place this school is and what a wonderful community it helps build.
Miss Tara
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Postion: Playtime Partners M/W
Education - BS Early Childhood Education (University of Central Florida)
Med in Early Childhood Administration (National-Louis University)
Years in Education: 30
Years at GJK: 5
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Coming up with fun songs and projects to engage toddlers
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: Reading, watching documentaries and true crime. I have 2 kids, a dog and a husband.
Miss Barbra
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Position: 3Bs Assistant
Degree: Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education
Years in education: 25+ years
Years at GJK: 2
Hobbies: Playing pickleball, looking for sea glass at the beach !
Fun Fact: I am named after Barbra Streisand
Mrs. Walzer
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Position: 4s Lead Teacher
Education: Indiana University, B.S. in Elementary Education
Years in Education: 25 years
Years at GJK: 2 years
Hobby/Interest Related to Teaching: Collecting childrens books
Personal Interest/Fun Fact: I love my time in the classroom, but when I'm not teaching I love to walk at the Botanic Garden. I enjoy going to Ravinia Festival in the summer and spending time at the beach. I live in Highland Park with my husband. I have three adult children and two of them are also teachers. A fun fact... my first job working with children was for the Glencoe Park District as a high school summer camp counselor, in the same building that I still work in today.