West Chicago Community High School’s newest teacher has found her passion in teaching special education. 

Marisa Hollister is a 2017 Northern Illinois University graduate. Before she came to District 94, Hollister taught at Indian Knoll Elementary school in District 33. Hollister did not always want to be a special ed teacher. She wanted to be a nurse, but later found her passion in teaching special ed.

As a special ed teacher, Hollister helps students meet their goal potential. She does this by giving them accommodations and checking-in with them regularly. 

Hollister also co-teaches several classes throughout the day, and is working to find her stride as she moves from one department to another.

“I’m still kind of learning different methods of co-teaching,” Hollister said. 

Hollister has three co-teachers, TJ Nall, Heather Goebel, and Susan Hollinger. Hollinger is a science teacher. Hollister is slowly starting to take over in this area by adopting a more tag team type approach. Nall and Goebel are both physical education teachers. Hollister takes a step back in this latter class and lets Goebel and Nall take the lead, just assisting where needed. 

“Amazing, so welcoming. Feels like I found my home,” Hollister said about her experience at West Chicago so far. 

Hollister is not adviser to any clubs or sports, but she would like to be a part of one someday – to learn new skills.

Outside of her job, Hollister can be found reading, going shopping, or getting her nails done. 

“She is nice, polite, and very funny,” sophomore Cole Garling said.