Hi, my name is Kerri Young. This is my 17th year teaching in Marion Unit #2, and I am thrilled to be one of the K-5 technology teachers! In the past, I have taught 4th & 5th grade reading, 8th grade language arts & literature, and 2nd grade. One common thread in all of these previous teaching experiences, is my love for technology and the ways it can enhance and enrich student learning. With the 1:1 environment of Marion Unit #2, I think there is no greater position that I can teach than starting our youngest learners on the road to responsible and productive technology usage!

Just a little more about ME: I am a Class of 2000 graduate from Marion High School. I have been, and always will be, a Wildcat at heart. I have a Bachelors of Science degree from SIU-Carbondale, a Masters of Arts degree from McKendree University, and a Reading Teacher Endorsement from SIU-Carbondale. I live in Marion with my husband of 16 years, Graham, and our three sons - Braden (14), Jake (10), and Cooper (7). When I'm not at school or watching one of my boys in a sporting event, I enjoy camping, traveling, and cooking.

I'm looking forward to an exciting year!

Contact info: kyoung@marionunit2.org

Hi, my name is Jess Landes and I am so excited to be teaching digital literacy this year. This is my 20th year as a Marion Unit 2 teacher and my third year as a computer teacher. I have taught kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. I was a third grade teacher for 10 years and this is where my passion for elementary technology ignited and grew.

Technology in the classroom can be an amazing tool that creates strong student engagement as well as future readiness in our digital world.

I am originally from Southeast Missouri and I graduated from Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. This summer I completed my Master's degree in Instructional Technology from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. My husband Rob and I raised our children Abby, Libby, and Payton in Marion and they are all MHS graduates. We are now empty nesters with a precious dog named Benny.

I look forward to a year of new adventures teaching Digital Literacy to Unit 2 students at Lincoln and Longfellow schools.

Contact info: jlandes@marionunit2.org