Hi families, my name is Jessica Korso and I have been a second grade teacher at Willow School for ten years

. I attended The University of Iowa for undergrad and will be graduating with my masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL endorsement from Concordia in December of this year. I live in Darien with my husband, Dan, and miniature labra-doodle named Benson. I enjoy reading, cross stitching, and being outdoors in my free time.

My husband, Dan, and I are expecting our first baby in December!

I look forward to working closely with you and your student to make their second grade year amazing!

Hello second grade families, my name is Doug Raffety and this is my fifth year here at Willow as an assistant. I’m so excited to be back where it all began for me - in Mrs. Korso‘s room!!

My background is in music, music, and more music! In addition to getting my undergrad degree in jazz, I toured the states with my band for about 10 years back in the 90s - all the while substitute teaching. Without realizing it, that journey prepped me for being the person I am today. Life experiences have a way of educating you in ways you’d never expect. Currently, I still write music and work in post audio, mixing and doing sound design. I’m also a Voice Over talent, which keeps my life that much more interesting.

I’m a proud father to my 10-year-old son Finn. He’s a fifth grader this year at Churchill and loves music, baseball, and also plays bass in orchestra.

As Mrs. Korso’s assistant, I look so forward to getting to know you and your second grader this year. To me, there’s something magical about Willow and I have no doubt we’ll experience that magic in Mrs. Korso’s room! See you soon!!