Classroom B215

Courses taught this year: English 2 Regular, English 2 Honors and English 4 Regular

Degrees: M.A. from Concordia University in School Leadership; B.S. from Illinois State University in Mass Communications; B.A. from Judson University in Secondary Education and English

Something about me: I co-sponsor the Shakespeare Slam competitive ensemble where students produce creative interpretations of great comedic and dramatic works. I enjoy reading, watching movies, cooking, listening to funny podcasts and watching high school track and field.

I began teaching English at Proviso West in 2003

English Teacher

Classroom: C306

Courses this year: English 1 & English 4

Degrees: MA – Education from Saint Xavier University, BA – English with Preprofessional Specialization from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Endorsements: Middle School (2010) & English Language Learners (Oct. 2020)

I have worked in the field of education since 2007 in many roles, teacher’s aide, English tutor, and ACT Reading & Writing Interventionist. In 2010, I completed my certification as an English teacher with Middle School Endorsement. Over the last nine years I have taught grades 9 – 12, and I have spent eight of those years at Proviso West High School in the English Department. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

English Teacher

Courses this year:  American Studies and English 2 Regular.

Education: BA in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago, MA in English Literature and Teaching Certification from Elmhurst College, and an endorsement in teaching English Language Learners from Dominican University.

Something about me: I love to read, write, sew, garden, and spend time with my family.

I started teaching at Proviso West in 2005.

English Teacher and Art Club Sponsor

Classroom: D-224

Courses this year: English 3, English 3 Honors, AP Language and Composition

Degrees: MA Literature from American University, Washington DC., Certificate for Teaching and BA in English from Loyola University Chicago

Something about me: Love my family and watching my kids grow up. Enjoy reading, cooking, puzzles, film/arts. Fluent in conversational Hindi/Punjabi.

Starting teaching at West in the Night School Program/English Department in 2005.

C222

English 3, English 4, English 4 Honors

Something About Me: Reading, traveling, enjoying performance and visual arts of every type, going out and staying in.

Previously: Hitchhiked around Europe, machine operator, taxi driver, sound effects designer, freelance writer, magazine editor, marketing executive, theatre production staff, construction project manager, joined Proviso West English department in 2001.

I’m Ms. Ruggiero

Courses this year: English 1, English 1 Honors, and Freshman Success Coach

Something about me: I was born in France and lived in Algeria (Africa) for a few years before moving to the U.S. I only spoke French when I moved here and struggled to learn English when I was young. I’ve loved watching the World Cup for over 20 years and always cheer on my home team (France). I have 2 daughters, 13 & 18, and a cuddly, hyper rescue dog named Poppy. I love traveling and doing outdoor stuff like hiking in the redwoods and kayaking. My plan is to grab a few good books and go see the world when school is not in session.

I’ve been teaching in some capacity for 18 years, first at Morton West, then in Little Village, and finally here at Proviso West. I love our students and the working relationships we form. You can come to me for help with anything- academics, drama, crisis, refuge, a quiet place to think, or just to read the funny memes on my walls.

Classroom: B312

Courses this year: English I Regular, English II Regular, and English II Honors

Degrees: BA English Literature, MA in English Literature, and English Literature Teaching Certificate from Governor’s State University

Something about me:  If I could be anywhere right now, it would be either Ireland or Japan.  I dream of traveling the world, and these are two of my biggest dream destinations.  On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me spending time with my family.  I have two daughters, Katarina and Lily.  I also have a fiance, named Kyle.  I am the happiest spending time with them and the rest of our family.  I also love spending time with our animals.  We have a calico cat named Karma as well as three fancy rats named Dean, Brisby, and Dobby.  Some ways I love spending my free time are reading, playing video games/board games/card games, and learning about history.  I started teaching at Proviso West in August 2018 and look forward to many more years here. 

“Believe in yourselves.  Dream.  Try.  Do Good” (George Feeny).

English Teacher

Room B218

Courses this year: English 3 Regular, English 2 Honors, English 2 Regular

Degrees: M.A. School Leadership from Concordia University, M.A. English Writing / Composition from Northeastern Illinois University, B.A. English Education from Illinois State University.

Something about me: I enjoy traveling, cooking, writing, and spending time with my friends and family. I am also bilingual. I speak both English and Polish and I enjoy celebrating my cultural traditions. Additionally, I am a critical thinker who loves showing students how to analyze different perspectives. It is important to me that they learn to think outside of the box.

I started working at Proviso West in 2014 as the English and Fine Arts Department Chair. I transitioned into teaching English full time in 2016.