About Ms. Zook

I grew up in Central Illinois where I received my Bachelors' of Science in Education from Illinois Statue University. 

I taught for three years in Edwardsville, Illinois, where I received tenure. However, as a result of a summer job where I trained the St. Louis Metro Police on their voice and data system, I was offered a position as a trainer and systems programmer at Tech Electronics. Though I enjoyed Tech Electronics, Spectrum K-12-an educational company, was seeking an educational trainer for their IEP/504/ELL software. I traveled throughout the United States training school districts for five years. Traveling for work is fun and exciting, but after spending 75% of your year "on the road", you begin to miss home. I moved to Chicago and worked as a Marketing Manager for McGraw-Hill Irwin. Besides helping my sales reps win book adoptions, my favorite part of the job was visiting university campuses and visiting with professors, where I was reminded of my love for working with students. I had a mid-life opportunity to return to my passion-teaching. I resigned from my position and moved home with my parents to attend Illinois State University, my alma matter. I attended graduate school full time while working as a graduate assistant at the university's center for reading and literacy.

Me and my roomies (Glen and Mary Zook) at graduation from the masters program. They always supported my brother and me in education, sports, and all that we did. They are my biggest cheerleaders! 

Upon graduating with my Masters of Science in Education as a Reading Specialist, I worked as a 2nd through 5th grade Reading Specialist in Central Illinois in the Metamora School District. I ended my long distance relationship with my boyfriend from St. Louis when I moved back, permanently, marrying him in May of 2013. 

Ms. Dani and me.

My husband, Dr. Lee, is a history professor and has two daughters as well as a rescue cat. His daughters, Madeline and Danielle, and Gummi (who believes herself to be smarter than any of the humans in the house), are the bonuses in my marriage. 

Ms. Maddie and me.

Ms. Dani and me at my parent's farm. 

I am excited and honored that my tenth year of teaching will be with my eighth grade students at Ladue Middle School.

And, the much talked about, and beloved to Ms. Zook, Gummi!

She also enjoys helping me grade...