Mrs. Colleen Tarantino

Bio:

I was fortunate enough to join the Brook Forest Staff as a special education teacher in 1991. My previous education experiences include teaching fifth grade, elementary resource teacher, and working at an alternative program with high school students.

When I am not in the classroom, you can find me enjoying time with my family and friends. I reside in Palos Park, with my supportive husband and two awesome children. I enjoy traveling, reading, crafts and helping others.

Education:

I received my Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University after completing my student teaching in Brisbane, Australia. After teaching fifth grade, I began working on my Master of Science degree at Northern Illinois University. During my graduate studies, I was selected to be a member of a pilot program called TESTED, which stands for training elementary school teachers to teach emotionally disabled children.

Goal:

My goal is to provide students with an environment where they can take risks and be successful.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed being with children and seeing the world through their eyes. Thus, it was a natural choice to enter the world of education. Where else do you have the opportunity to touch the future on a daily basis? I have the pleasure of working with children who will make an impact on our world. There is no greater joy than seeing a child grasp a concept and feel good about him or herself.