I have taught preschool in the Charleston School District for over 20 years. I am proud to be an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at Mark Twain Elementary. I look forward to helping each little learner in my class grow and develop at their own pace, in a positive and nurturing environment. At home, I have 3 children and I love to watch their sporting events! I enjoy lounging in the pool, hanging around a camp fire, listening to music and spending time with my friends and family.

Welcome! Welcome! I have taught Early Childhood Special Education preschool at Mark Twain since the fall of 2005. It is such a joy to get to know these little learners and watch them grow and develop in a caring, positive, and engaging classroom. I have two grown daughters and a granddaughter who keeps me hopping! She loves to dance and be creative. I enjoy the outdoors, biking, reading, and hanging out with my family & friends.

My name is Brooke Hissong and, over the last five years I have been a classroom volunteer, paraprofessional and substitute teacher all within CUSD #1. I have enjoyed being part of CUSD #1 as a parent and employee so when I went back to school to get my degree in education I knew CUSD #1 was where I wanted to be. This is my 1st year as a classroom teacher and I am excited to be part of your student's 1st year of school.

My name is Amber Dennis, and I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Fine Arts from Eastern Illinois University. This is my 9th year teaching with 4 of them being here at Mark Twain! Kindergarten is such a special year of school, and very exciting to teach! I love getting to be a part of teaching so many new and wonderful skills, like reading. I am very passionate about helping each of my students achieve the most that they can, become leaders, thinkers, and making learning challenging, but fun through hands on learning, games, projects, and STEAM activities.

Welcome to kindergarten! I am Mrs. Hoedebecke and I am so excited to be your teacher this year! This will be my fifth year teaching overall. I have my Masters in Early Childhood Education from UIUC. I am from a suburb northwest of Chicago and I currently live in Charleston. I have 2 dogs named Milo and Mango and I like watching sports, tv, crafting and visiting new places! I can't wait to get to know you this year 😊

Welcome to kindergarten! I am Mrs. Oakley and I so excited to be teaching your child this year.

Hello! My name is Veronica Ready. I grew up in a small town in Northern Oklahoma until I moved to Charleston. I graduated from Charleston High School and I received my bachelor’s degree from EIU in Elementary Education. In my spare time my family and I enjoy kayaking, playing games and spending times with our family and friends. I also love watching college football and basketball and cheering on the Oklahoma State Cowboys!

My Name Is Levi Reynolds and I am a recent graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. I have always had a passion for teaching, and I look forward to my first year as a classroom teacher. I have worked with children of this age group for four years now whether it was as a classroom teacher at the Charleston Community Early Learning Center or as a swim instructor to preschool and kindergarten aged children at my local YMCA. I enjoy the energy and sense of determination that comes with working with kindergarten aged students, and I am extremely excited to be a part of the Charleston School District at Mark Twain Elementary!

Welcome to kindergarten If you've found your way into my classroom, let the magic begin!

I am a native of Charleston and graduated from CHS in 2003. I went on to graduate from EIU with a B.A. in Psychology. After being a stay-at-home mom to my two boys, I began Substitute Teaching. I spent two years as a Title I Paraprofessional at Mark Twain and then served as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher for two more years in a Kindergarten classroom. During this time, I went back to school to earn my Master's in Elementary Education. I was offered a Kindergarten Teaching position at Mark Twain Elementary and LOVE IT! My goal is to value the individual differences of students and make learning as fun as possible.

Hello! My name is Bri Fisher. I am so excited to be joining the Mark Twain team the second half of the year! I am from a little town 15 minutes from Springfield. I just f graduated from Eastern Illinois University with my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Special Education. Over my time at EIU, I did lots of practicum here at Mark Twain and I did some subbing. I look forward to helping all the students learn and grow! In my spare time love to spend time with my family and dog. We love going on different adventures.  

Hello! My name is Payton Augustine. I am so excited to be joining the Mark Twain team this year!
As a born and raised Charlestonian, I am thrilled to be teaching in the same building and classroom that sparked my love for education. I have a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences through Eastern Illinois University and a master's degree in Special Education through Grand Canyon University. I taught special education at LIFE Academy in Mattoon for 6 years before making the move to Charleston school district. At home, I have my husband, 4 year old daughter, newborn daughter and two Boxers. Some of my hobbies include photography, crafting, running the Matthew 25 fundraising committee, watching my 17 year old stepson excel at sports for ALAH, and spending LOTS of time with my family.
I can't wait to share this year with you and your family!

🎨Hi! My name is Ms. Buchanan! I am going to be your kindergarten art and library teacher this coming year! 🎨
🐾I graduated with a BFA and teacher licensure in art education from EIU in 2023 and am working on finishing my masters this may! 🐾
📚I am so excited to learn and grow alongside our students, and to help guide their journey into life long creativity and reading💕

I teach music at Mark Twain Elementary and art and music at Ashmore Elementary.

This is my third year teaching Physical Education at Mark Twain Elementary School. I have greatly enjoyed my time here the last two years and I again look forward to guiding Kindergarten, as they begin to build the knowledge, fitness, motor skills and social skills that they will continue to grow throughout their school years and beyond. My goal is to equip all of Mark Twain students with the tools, skills, and attitude to value and become lifelong learners of health, fitness, and sport. I also serve as the Head Wrestling Coach for Charleston High School. Some activities I enjoy away from teaching include exercising, listening to music and podcasts, and watching baseball.