Instructional Coaches

Meg is in her 21st year of teaching English at New Trier. She has experience teaching on both campuses, as well as across a variety of levels. In addition to teaching English, Meg is very interested in multimodal instruction, specifically the incorporation of visual art in the classroom. She recently completed her second workshop through Connecting Collections, a program sponsored by the Guggenheim in New York. In addition, Meg is an ongoing and active participant in professional development programs offered at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Aileen Heidkamp has been a member of the New Trier English Department for the past 18 years, and previous to that, she spent 17 years teaching English, Latin and philosophy in private schools in Chicago and in San Francisco.  She loves talking to teachers about their teaching, and is particularly interested in the experience of teachers new to the profession.  Aileen is the Professional Learning Coordinator, co-chair of the Professional Development Council and facilitator the Induction Program.  She is a National Board Certified teacher and holds a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction.

Brian is entering his 20th year as a teacher at New Trier, 17 of which he spent working at the Learning Center with students with a wide range of abilities. He has taught courses at the Learning Center ranging from English, Social Studies, and Art to Math, Science, and KW. Brian is also part of the Induction Team working with third- and fourth-year teachers, reflecting on grading practices and the learning environment. He recently engaged in research work through the University of Illinois around academic mindsets and their impact on student learning.

Kerry is in her 21st year of teaching Latin at New Trier during which she has taught all years and levels at both campuses.  In addition to teaching Latin, she is also part of the Induction Team and leads professional development centered around Critical Thinking.  She recently completed a certificate in Instructional Leadership from Harvard University.  She has a strong interest in creating cultures of thinking and differentiated instruction.