University High School is a laboratory school in Normal, Illinois, affiliated with Illinois State University, and has been around for just shy of 140 years. The school itself has gained noteriety in that many of its students do very well, and often go on to earn college degrees. This page is dedicated to those who bring the students to where they will be in the future; the faculty. These men and woman are what make this, or any other, high school function, and they are worthy of review.
Here is a link to the U-High web page: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/
Administrators:
Andrea Markert - Principal
A former Science teacher at University High School, she left to accept a job as Dean of Students at Metcalf Elementary School. However, she returned in 2012 to become the Assistant Principal to Dr. Hill, who was the Principal at the time. When Dr. Hill took the job as Superintendent, Andrea Markert took the job as Principal. She has been affiliated with U-High for many years, and is a valuable asset. While she was assistant Principal, students found her fair in doling out punishments, but stern when she had to be. As Principal, she deals with more administrative duties, rather than with students.
Steve Evans - Assistant Principal
Steve Evans was a former Biology teacher before accepting the position as Assistant Principal. As a teacher, students often found him very energetic and humorous, though harsh when pushed. As an Assistant Principal, he has proven that he isn't afraid to deal out punishments to students who have continued to break rules, though he is nice to those who he doesn't have to see constantly.
Teachers:
Bob Fitzgerald - Social Science Chair
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/soc/
Chair of the Social Science department, as well as the Coach of the University High School Basketball team, Bob Fitzgerald is a stern man of principle. Most students who have had him can attest to his serious attitude, taking Philosophy, as well as Basketball, very seriously, however many students also enjoy his dry sense of humor. He has been known as a hard taskmaster as coach of the Basketball team, though he did lead the U-High Basketball team to 2nd in State in 2012. On a side note, he hates being called Bob, or Mr. Fitzgerald, so many people have taken to calling him Mr. Fitz. Use any other name for him, and you are liable for any damages unto your person, according to the man himself.
Andy Davis - Social Science
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/soc/
Andy Davis is a Social Science teacher an U-High that works closely with Mr. Fitz, often planning their courses together and critiquing each others teaching style. The two get along very well, however, and most students find Mr. Davis' sense of humor to be quite refreshing. He has a very laid back teaching style, some have even said too laid back, though his classes tend to be on the more difficult side. He is incredibly passionate about his work, and students have said that it shows in his teaching style. He is known to have a degree in Religious studies, and many of his classes often intersect with some kind of religious aspect. Definitely a teacher that you'll want to experience first hand.
Brad Dearing - Technical Education Chair
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/teched/
A quirky teacher with a penchant for random discussion days, Brad Dearing is, according the students of U-High, the local "nutjob" so to speak. According to the students who have had him, they often site how often Mr. Dearing pulls out conspiracies, even when they do not relate to his lesson in the slightest. However, for what he teaches, students find him very knowledgable in what he does, and appreciate the level of expertice he brings to the table. The random discussion days are an added bonus, as according to those he teaches, they often find them very interesting, and keep them up to date with what's going on in the world. A very interesting experience, as a student, and highly recommended.
Jean Gorski - Social Science
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/soc/
A soft spoken, but well versed teacher of Psychology and Sociology, Jean Gorski is known for her very diverse teaching methods. Students have noted how she often introduces strange, yet exciting ways to learn about human culture and the mind, and often uses group activities and projects to teach her classes. Being one of the only faculty members to teach Psychology, if you want to take a Psych class at U-High, it's an incredible experience to have her.
Cassandra Graham - English
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/english/
Cassandra Graham is a relatively new teacher to U-High, having gotten a teaching position in 2012 in the English department. She is known for her kind demeaner and gentle attitude when it comes to dealing with students. She is very passionate about writing, and often encourages her students to write outside of class in order to advance not only their skills in writing, but just to improve their life in general. Despite being relatively new, students take to her very easily.
Jason Landes - Band
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/performingarts/?page_id=12
Jason Landes has been Band Director at University High School for many years, also teaching at Metcalf and ISU from time to time. His students often find him to be very amusing, his sense of humor resonating with them very well, though at the same time he can be known for his harsh critique of students instrument playing as well. Many students are taught by him from 5th grade in Metcalf, allowing him to easily form bonds with long-time, as well as short-time, students. Look forward to meeting him if you're going into Band, as his upbeat sense of humor will allow you to easily get through the many trials of instrument playing.
Maria Pessman - Physical Education
Department: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/wellness/
One of four Physical Educators at U-High, Maria Pessman is often sited as the one who students seem to gravitate more towards. Her perky attitude and enthusiasm has made her a favorite among students.
Jim Potter - Foreign Language Chair
Department Link: http://www.uhigh.ilstu.edu/blogs/forlang/
Jim Potter has been the head of U-High's Foreign Language department for a long while, teaching mainly French, but also low level Spanish classes as well. Students can attest to his knowledge of French culture, as he has travelled to France on many occassions, and has various stories to share about their culture and language. A very knowledgable teacher in his own right, he'll be able to help you out if you ever find yourself in a jam, as his passion for Foreign Language is rivaled only by his kind demeaner. His classes usually have many various projects, so keep that in mind if you wish to choose French over Spanish.
