This is my 16th year as an educator and my 10th year in this district. Previously, I taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies in District 204, and I've taught 7th and 8th grade ELA and Social Studies during my years at McCracken. Now as an instructional coach, it is my honor to be able to partner with the most amazing, dedicated staff in District 73.5. It is my belief that there is no formula for growth, especially in this ever-changing world. In order to truly grow as an educator and facilitate growth among our students, we have to be intentional about learning and understanding the shifts, the development, and the movement around us and within us. 

Fun Fact: My birth name is my Vietnamese name, Mai Linh. Upon going to Kindergarten, my dad said I needed an "American" name and he suggested Marilyn (after Marilyn Monroe). I turned it down because, at the age of 5, I found it too difficult to spell. So, Lynn I became. (Also, Mai Linh is not un-American!) 

"What's next?" That question has always been on my mind, whether as a student, a teacher, or now as an instructional coach. I was a teacher in urban schools for eleven years before working as an EL resource teacher in a suburban Chicago-area school. I love working with students because I got to see, and directly impact, their growth. At the same time, I highly value collaborating with teachers and staff. My belief in always improving my own practice, as well as my interest in collaboration, pointed me in the direction of instructional coaching. I'm always working to improve my practice, and now as a coach, I consider myself very lucky to be able to support teachers in discovering and implementing what's next for them. The common thread throughout my career has always been finding a way to answer: "What's best for kids?"

Fun Fact: I'm afraid of heights, but I've been cliff diving, zip lining, parasailing, hang gliding, and skydiving!

I have always considered myself a life long learner, as is evident from my career path. Prior to coming to District 73.5, I worked in the trading industry, hospital information systems and litigation consulting. Twenty-four years ago when I started my career in education as a 6th grade teacher at McCracken, I found my passion. During my time at McCracken, I have taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Math, Social Studies, and ELA. For many years I also taught technology classes. When the district began our 1:1 technology programming, I transitioned into a coaching role. I have loved partnering with the hard working, innovative and inspirational teachers. I continue to learn new things daily from the students, teachers, coaches and administrators in the District. I am so proud to be member of a district with such a strong history of excellence.

Fun fact: I have gone hot air ballooning in Australia. 

I am a Middleton and McCracken alum, and am thrilled to be back working in District 73.5! I firmly believe that my experiences as a student here grew me into the person I am today, and I am so grateful for the incredible learning community that is District 73.5. I am in my 16th year in education, and I teach because I believe that all students have a right to whatever they need in order to reach their full academic and social potential. I coach because I believe that teaching is too complex to do alone and teachers deserve professional partnerships and teams where they can work together to grow, solve problems, and meet goals. I believe that teachers are the single most impactful factor on a child’s access to reaching their potential. Plus, it’s way more joyful to share the day to day of the classroom with others!

Fun Fact: I love board games and trivia, and am a member of a standing trivia team at Village Inn on Tuesday nights...I contribute team spirit more than trivia knowledge :o)