Teachers

EDWARD CISNEROS (Drama, Theater Production, Honor Shakespeare Studies, Theater Arts 129-Introduction to Theatre History)

Originally from Dallas, Texas, I moved to Chicago after completing my BA in Drama/Secondary Education from the University of Dallas and my MFA in Directing from Ohio University. I've been teaching at MAS for the past 14 years and have had the honor of serving the school community in a variety of leadership roles. It's my mission to help my students find their creative drive regardless of their chosen career path and I take great joy in helping them discover the amazing cultural institutions that surround them in our city.

Skinner SY20-21 parent night.mp4

Ted Skinner

(Studio Art and Ceramics)

Ms. Avila( English I)

I am a product of Chicago Public Schools, I am born and raised in Chicago. My parents migrated from Mexico to improve their living conditions and give their children a better education. I am proud of my hard working parents, they taught me the value of hard work and never giving up.. As a teacher, I am proud of each and every one of my students. Together with parents, I work to improve student’s skills, help to improve their school engagement and involvement and promote the value of education.

I am a mother of two school aged children, a first and third grader. As a mother and parent, I understand the importance of communication and advocating for each and every one of my students.

I am a Bilingual Special Educator, with a focus in English. I have been fortunate enough to teach for 16 years, 14 years here at MAS, but most importantly I have been fortunate enough to teach students for the Little Village and Lawndale community.

ANNA DEEM (English 2, English 4, Creative Writing, Louder Than A Bomb Slam Poetry coach)

A New Yorker born and bred, I moved to Chicago thirteen years ago after completing my BA in Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. Once in Chicago, I decided to follow in the footsteps of both my parents and become a teacher, earning my MA in Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I have been teaching in Chicago Public Schools for nine years and at MAS for the past seven years. In addition to my work as an English teacher, I also coach the Louder Than A Bomb slam poetry team at LVLHS. I enjoy helping students make personal connections to texts and giving them opportunities to think critically.

Andrew Nelson (English I, English III, AP Literature and Composition, Senior Seminar)

Originally from Rhode Island, I moved to Illinois to attend Northwestern University where I majored in Secondary Education with a concentration in English and African American Studies. This past year I earned a Master's Degree in Literature from Ohio University. This will be my 7th year teaching at MAS. During that time I have taught OneGoal and been a department chair and grade level lead. I hope to help all students successfully transition to their life after high school and to inspire them to take an interest in reading.

Kevin Cosgrove (English/Language Arts)

Hello, my name is Kevin Cosgrove. I teach mostly English language arts as a specialist in diverse learners. I enjoy listening to music and reading. You can contact me through email at: kcosgrove1@cps.edu

DAVID JABLONSKY (ESL I, Structured Literacy, Media Studies)

After receiving my BA in History and Political Science from the University of Illinois, I earned my teaching certificate through Northern Illinois University. I have had the good fortune to serve at MAS for the past 10 years teaching a variety of different classes in social studies and ESL. To support our struggling readers and bilingual students, I completed my MA in Literacy Education from Northeastern Illinois University. I currently act as Student Voice Committee coordinator, Peer Conference facilitator, and English Language Program Teacher (ELPT). I believe learning is a lifelong process in which our students continually refine their intelligence and character. I hope to share with them the power of language and help develop their understanding of the world and their responsibility to it.

Ryan Williams (World Studies, AP Human Geography, US History)

My name is Ryan Williams, and I teach history to freshmen and sophomores at MAS. This is my 6th year at MAS, and I am proud be serving the Little Village/Lawndale community. In my classes, your student can expect to explore world cultures, look to history to inform the future, and learn the skills needed for college and civic life. If you need anything or have any questions, I can be reached at rbwilliams4@cps.edu.

Jennifer A. Favela (World Studies, U.S. History, Contemporary American History, Civics)

Originally from the Little Village neighborhood and a product of CPS schools, I completed my BA in Criminal Justice from University of Illinois at Chicago and my MS in Education from Quincy University. I have been teaching at MAS for the past 5 years and am in the History and Diverse Learner Department. It is my mission to help my students believe in their capabilities, find their inner voice and use it to advocate for their well being.

Ms. Dean (ESL and DL Teacher)

I am Ms. Dean I will work with our English language learners and diverse learners as extra support.

You will likely see me in a few of your classes and I'm always available to help any way I can. When I'm not working with MAS students I am spending time with my family and being outside as much as possible!

Ms. Beale (Algebra I, Geometry, Adv Algebra)

My name is Ms Beale . I am a math teacher at MAS . I have been teaching at MAS for 13 years. I have been with CPS for 27 years. I have 1 adult son who lives in California. After work, I enjoy exercising and traveling on vacation. The last place I traveled to was Dubai and The Maldives.

Mr. Aliabadi( Algebra, Physics, Geometry)

I was born in Shiraz, Iran. I am married and have one teenage son. I came to the US in 1979 to further my studies. I have a bachelor degree in mathematics, physics, and a masters degree in Literacy Education. I have been teaching at MAS for 10 years and CPS for 18 years.

Mr. Hunter( Biology, Chemistry)

I have always been interested in the field of science.I received my undergraduate,B.S degree in Biology from Roosevelt's University and my graduate, M.S degree in Molecular Biology from Chicago State University. I also received an undergraduate degree certification in cardiopulmonary perfusion science from Rush Medical University. I am married and have four children, two boys and two girls. I also have a granddaughter.

I have been teaching in the Chicago Public School System for approximately 14 years. My content area is science, specifically, Biology and Chemistry. I have been teaching at MAS for seven years. The staff and administration are great. I really enjoy teaching our students. They are very unique, creative and intelligent young adults that have bright futures ahead of them

Mr.Villalobos (Biology, Chemistry)

I grew up in Chicago and graduated from Chicago Public Schools. I then attend Chicago State University where I obtained my teaching degree. I have been a teacher for six years now.

In my spare time, I enjoy coaching soccer and going on bike rides with my family. I have four kids and two dogs that keep me very busy.

I enjoy teaching science and I am looking forward to working with each of you this year. I know you all have a very bright future ahead of you.

Simona Mendez (Physical Education)

I grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. I attended Catholic and public school throughout my years growing up, I attended Daley College and graduated from UIC with a Bachelors in Kinesiology. First year teaching in Burbank, IL for a year and started working here at MAS in 2005 when it opened and I have been here since (15 years). I have two children Maya and Aiden. Husband Passed away 4 years ago from Cancer. I continue to educate with Professional Development.

Carlos Aragon (Heritage Spanish 1, Heritage Spanish 2 and AP-Spanish)

Originally I am from Nicaragua, Centro America, I moved to Chicago during the war in Centro America in the 1980’s. I finished my secondary education in the United States. What motivated me to become a teacher was my desire to help our Latino students, especially the new comers to transition to American society. I am a graduate of Northeastern University of Illinois. I have been teaching for a little more than 30 years. I have taught Spanish Bilingual, Spanish to native and non-native students and to students who are learning English in our school system. I have volunteer to teach adults in churches, school and in the communities that I have lived. At present moment, I am the Spanish teacher for MAS and SOJO.

Yasira Castrejon (SECA)

I was born and raised in the northside of Chicago. I am a CPS alumni. I have a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, and I’m currently obtaining my masters degree in special education from National Louis University. I have worked as a SECA for 9 years now. I love and enjoy working with our diverse learners. It’s a great pleasure meeting you!!!

Sonia Rodriguez (SECA)

I was born in Durango, Mexico and raised in Chicago in the Pilsen neighborhood. CPS student alumni. I have worked as a SECA (Special Education Classroom Assistant) for 19 years now. Five of those 19 years I also worked at Telpochcalli Community Fine Arts school in Little Village. It’s been my passion to work with students in helping them have confidence in themselves and grow in the academic setting. Looking forward to meeting you.

Armando Silva (SECA)

Born and raised in Chicago in the Little Village neighborhood, CPS student alumni, and a runner. I have a Bachelor's degree in photography from Columbia College with a minor in journalism in 2013. I started working at MAS High School in 2018 for the 3rd year. I'm a SECA that works with our diverse learners' students to help and guide them of the material to make sure they understand it. I also worked with ENLACE as a Guitar instructor for afterschool. My favorite part of working for MAS is the staff and teachers who are passionate about every student. Also, the kiddos. To see them grow up and be successful human beings.

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