St. Joseph School welcomes two new teachers to their staff as they begin a new century of service. With this new century, St. Joseph added a preschool, expanding their teaching program to include both three- and four-year-olds.

Caroline Hanes of Lombard accepted the position of preschool teacher at St. Joseph.  She received her Bachelors in Elementary Education at Illinois State University with endorsements in Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.  She carries with her a strong background in working with special needs students in both Catholic and public school settings.  For the past 10 years, she donated her time to Sacred Heart Parish where she taught Religious Education. 

Coming to St. Joseph from Lombard’s Madison School District 44, Hanes worked in Early Childhood Education with at-risk and autistic students preparing her students for kindergarten readiness. 

Kathleen Pranckus of Downers Grove will hold the position of preschool assistant.  Pranckus received  a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Communication from Illinois State University.  Currently completing her degree at the College of DuPage in Early Childhood Education, she comes to St. Joseph from Christ Church of Oak Brook, where she was the lead teacher for their “Time for Two” program, geared to 2 ½ - 3 year olds who might have missed a school cutoff or weren’t quite ready for preschool. 

Joining the St. Joseph community upon moving to Downers Grove 12 years ago, she became a teacher in the Religious Education program, devoting six years as a teacher.  She continued her involvement by joining the Children’s Liturgy Program on Sundays, where she is still active today. 

Hanes is excited for what is yet to come after meeting her first St. Joseph preschool classes.  “I see a lot of potential in these students and have so many ideas to implement!”  She sees a variety of personalities and is looking forward to getting to know each and every one of them.  Already they are bringing her smiles!  On the first day of preschool, a little one looked up at photos of the Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop J. Peter Sartain and asked, “Is that God?!” 

St. Joseph School is pleased to introduce their newest teachers.  For more information on St. Joseph or its preschool program, contact the school office at 630-969-4306 or go to www.stjosephdg.org.