Hello Harper families! My name is Una Arkins and I am excited to be your child’s second grade teacher. This year is my 27th year of teaching.  I taught second grade for a few years and then taught third grade.  I am back teaching second grade this year.  I earned my bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and my master’s degree from National Louis University.  

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially on summer vacations. My husband and I enjoy supporting our son with his activities. I look forward to working with you and your child.  I am committed to creating a calm environment that promotes the joy of learning, kindness, and respect

Ms. Beien is so excited to return to Harper this year and work with her new second grade class! This will be her 13th year as a teacher and eighth year at Harper. Ms. Beien graduated from DePauw University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. From there, she joined Teach For America, where she fell in love with teaching. In May 2016, she earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching with an endorsement in English as a Second Language. In her free time, she loves to run and chase around her two kids!

Mrs. Peterson is excited to teach second grade at Harper!  She taught third and fourth grade and was a school counselor before coming to Harper.  Mrs. Peterson was graduated from DePauw University in IN with a BA in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree in School Guidance Counseling from DePaul University in Chicago.  Mrs. Peterson enjoys spending time with family and traveling.