My name is Jenna Carey. I just completed a year-long teaching experience through the Pekin Professional Development School.

I grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL, a western suburb of Chicago, with my parents and younger sister. My family is very important to me. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, listening to music, swimming, reading, and traveling.

After senior year of high school I moved to Normal, IL, to continue my education at Illinois State University. Starting as a freshman, I took an active roll in college. I joined the Illinois State University Marching Band, Illinois State University Student Education Association, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. As a sophomore, I joined the Illinois State University Honors Program and worked together with a group of young women to form a colony of Sigma Alpha Iota, a professional music fraternity on campus. I held the office of Vice President-Ritual and worked to get the chapter established. In January 2008, Sigma Alpha Iota was designated as a chapter at Illinois State University. Throughout college, I also volunteered at the McLean County Juvenile Detention Center, for College Mentors for Kids, and for Partners in Reading. I graduated Summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University on May 10, 2008. I received middle school endorsements in mathematics, language arts, and science.

Teaching has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I was inspired by my own third grade teacher and my senior high school internship at Park View Elementary School in Glen Ellyn cemented my career path. I love how children wonder, develop empathy, and how they get excited about new things!