District Directory

Welcome to the MJHS Library Media Center, also known as the LMC.
Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 7:15 AM through 3:15 PM.

LOG IN (https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/7654/widget?type=b) to search for print books, eBooks, Audiobooks and your one stop for research. Students, Please join the LMC Google Classroom to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening in the Library world! Class code: gbed7b8

Mission:
The mission of the Library Media Center at Morton Junior High School is to engage students in authentic learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. By employing the best educational technologies, resources and pedagogies, students will improve academic achievement and develop strong informational and digital literacy for life in the 21st century.

It's a pleasure being part of such a great school district and staff at the junior high. Before stepping into this position, I taught fifth grade at Bolin Elementary in East Peoria for thirteen years, and then led the Stem Lab at Central Junior High in East Peoria for three years.

I attended college at ICC and ISU. From ICC I earned my Associate's Degree and from ISU I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I continued my education at ISU and earned my Master's of Curriculum and Instruction in 2008. In May of 2014 I completed my administration certification at Bradley. I call Morton my hometown and where I live with my wife, three daughters, and a cat and a dog.


Junior Potters will participate in the Stem Lab for one quarter in both 7th and 8th grade. In this course students will work in a cooperative learning environment to solve real-world problems based on their assigned module. The purpose of the modules is to give students an opportunity to explore the careers and life skills that are associated with the career path they've chosen.

Over the course of two years the students will have a chance to participate in some of the following modules: biomedical engineering, computer graphics and game development, dentistry, design and marketing, digital manufacturing, digital music, forensic science, home maintenance systems, home maintenance fundamentals, nursing, robotics, sports medicine, structural engineering, veterinary medicine, video production, and virtual architecture.

"Does life imitate art, or does art imitate life?" Whatever the answer is, the Arts are alive and well here in Morton 709.

It is a pleasure to be a part of the team that helps get nearly every arts-related production up and going in the district. Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theater, and Art Shows with promising student resident artists bring many into our community to enjoy the talents of our students.

The Bertha Frank Performing Arts Center is a busy place for budding talent and creative minds. Learn more about the school and community connection at berthafrank.org

I love teaching at Morton Junior High School. I grew up in Washington, IL and attended Illinois Central College and Illinois State University for my teaching degree. Following my graduation from ISU, I lived in China for two years teaching English to Chinese students and studying Chinese. Since then I have taught science in a few different schools in Illinois and Indiana. However, my experience at Morton Junior High has been the best by far.

I love teaching physics and chemistry and seeing the lightbulb go on when students learn new concepts. When I am not teaching, I can be found attending my children’s sports events and doing things outdoors.

I was born in Darien, IL and lived there until I was five years old. At that time my family moved to Central Illinois where I grew up in Tremont, just a few minutes away from Morton. After high school I attended Bradley University where I graduated with a degree in Vocal Music Education in 2009. I started teaching in Morton in 2010. I've been at MJHS since 2012. I graduated with my Master's Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University in 2015.

When I am not in school, I am either with my wonderful wife Melissa and our kids or my barbershop quartet, After Hours. Melissa and I were married in 2009, and we are current Tremont residents. We have two children, Lincoln and Gwendolyn, and they keep us busy! Melissa and I also enjoy serving with our musical abilities at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Groveland, IL. My quartet, After Hours, is the 2010 Illinois State Champion quartet, as well as the 2018 International Champion Quartet. We do quite a bit of touring on the weekends, throughout the country and we have recorded 4 studio albums. I absolutely love coming to work every day, working with students at Grundy. I love watching them grow as young musicians.

I am from a small town in eastern Iowa called Center Point. I graduated from Iowa State University (Iowa’s ISU) in the spring of 2008. There I met my wife, Jenna. After getting married in June of 2009, we moved to Peoria for her career in dietetics. I have spent most of the last four years substitute teaching in District 150 and taking classes at Illinois Central College and Illinois State University (Illinois’ ISU). In May of 2013, I graduated with a degree in History-Social Sciences Education with certification for grades 6-12. I am thrilled to be a part of District 709 and the Morton community. I look forward to teaching American History and getting involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and initiatives throughout the year.

In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time outdoors, traveling, volunteering, attending concerts, and watching the Chicago Bears.


Mission for the Class

The mission for this course is for students to gain an appreciation for history and to make connections between the past and their own lives. Students will also learn the importance of perspective-taking, from both a historical and present sense. The democratic atmosphere of this classroom will allow students to share their opinions and ideas and will also encourage them to acknowledge and appreciate the views of their peers. Students will practice teamwork by working collaboratively in groups on a regular basis. Finally, students will improve their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that are essential for future success.

Since 2019, I have been apart of the MJHS family in the field of special education. At the junior high, I teach resource science and history to 7th and 8th graders.

As a dedicated educator and parent of three amazing boys, I am passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning environments. When I’m not in the classroom, I love traveling with my husband and family and discovering new restaurants. I’m excited to continue fostering a love of learning in our students! Go Potters!

As the Principal here at Morton Junior High School, it is my privilege to serve the Morton-Groveland community. I have been here at Morton Junior High School since 2006 after spending nine years at Tri-Valley Middle School as a 6th Grade Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies teacher and basketball and track coach.

As a life-long Central Illinois resident, I graduated from Eureka College in 1997 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in elementary education and a middle school endorsement. While I was at EC, I played basketball and was fortunate to be a member of the National Championship team in 1994. I also graduated from Illinois State University in 2006 with a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

My wife, Stacy, teaches kindergarten at Starke Primary School in Pekin. We have three children: Abby, Ben, and Katy.

We love being part of this wonderful community and enjoy meeting our Junior Potter families. Please stop by the school any time! My door is always open!

I am a former Junior Potter and began teaching Future Readiness at MJHS in 2024. I am married to my husband, John, and we have two daughters Hazel and Ivy. When I am not in the classroom you can find me hanging out with my family, drinking lots of coffee, and coaching both the Junior High and High School Dance Teams!


I have a passion for helping students find success both in and out of the classroom. My mission for this class is to help my students prepare and plan for the future by working on soft skills, goal-setting strategies, and using a variety of resources to explore career options. I hope to provide them with a number of opportunities to think beyond their junior high years and what they can be doing right now to be successful in the future.

I joined the Morton Junior High staff in 2018 and am excited to be a part of the Potter family! After graduating from Augustana College, I moved to central IL to begin my career in education teaching social studies at the junior high level. While teaching, I earned a master's degree from St. Xavier University in teacher leadership and another in school counseling from Bradley University. I bring 11 years of previous junior high classroom experience to the school counseling role. My hope is to help students become the best version of themselves and fill their toolbox with the skills they need to successfully navigate future challenges. We are here to help, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Jesse Crawford completed his sixth year as Head Baseball Coach at Morton High School by winning the IHSA State Championship in June of 2018. As a result of this accomplishment he was rewarded IHSA Class 3A Coach of the Year by the Illinois Baseball Coaches Association.

Originally from Pekin, Illinois, Crawford played his high school baseball at Pekin High and later his college ball at Illinois Central College and Western Illinois University. Following his career at Western, Crawford moved to Missouri and was hired as an assistant coach at Knox County High School. In short order, Coach Crawford took over as head coach of both the varsity basketball and baseball programs at Knox County. In 2008, the Eagles had outstanding seasons on both the court and the field leading to Crawford being named Class 2A Coach of the Year for both sports. Overall while at Knox County, Crawford was able to take his basketball team to two Sweet 16 appearances while compiling a 68-42 record overall on the hardwood.

Following his success in Missouri, Coach Crawford returned to Illinois taking a teaching position in Morton Community School District 709 and took on coaching roles in football, baseball, and basketball. Crawford made an immediate impact as an assistant basketball coach helping the Potters program advance to its first Elite Eight in program history. A few years later, Crawford took over as Head Varsity Baseball Coach and Head Junior High Baseball Coach.

2012 was Coach Crawford’s first year as Head Junior High Baseball Coach and in that year the Junior Potters went a remarkable 25-0 and captured the IESA State Championship. In his six years heading the Junior Potter program Crawford is 124-31 with two title game appearances and two additional Elite Eight bids.

As a varsity baseball coach between his time at Knox County and Morton, Jesse Crawford is 189-110. He has been part of 11 conference titles in 14 years of coaching. Over the past four seasons his varsity team at Morton High School has averaged 28 wins per season and made an Elite Eight appearance in 2017 backed up by a State Title in 2018. The Potters have also captured multiple Mid-Illini Conference, Regional and Sectional crowns during Crawford’s tenure.

In addition to his role as a baseball and basketball coach at Morton High School and Morton Junior High, Jesse works as a PE Teacher at Morton Junior High School. He has been teaching for 14 years including stints as an elementary classroom teacher in addition to his current job teaching PE at MJHS.

Coach Crawford, his wife Michelle, and two children, Cameron and Finley, reside in Morton. They are active members of the Morton community participating in multiple activities. When Coach Crawford is not on the court or field at Morton High School he can often be found coaching a youth team helping not only his own children but the next generation of Morton athletes.

I joined the Morton Junior High staff in 2024 after serving as the district’s elementary MTSS coordinator for five years and as a sixth-grade ELA teacher at Lincoln School for one year. Born and raised in Peoria, I completed my undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University and obtained my master’s degree at Illinois State University. I moved to Morton in 2003, and my two children (Will and Amelia) attend Morton schools.

Prior to working in Morton, I spent fifteen years at Central Junior High in East Peoria as a classroom teacher, literacy coordinator, and coach. I strive to create an engaging classroom and to help my students reach their full potential. In my spare time, you will find me attending my kids’ activities, following sports, and playing golf.

I absolutely love my job, a perfect combination of two of my passions, art and teens! I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in art and a minor in English. I began my career teaching middle school art near Chicago for a couple years before settling down with family downstate. When my children were little, I stayed home with them and led an after-school art program at the Crossword Cafe, a youth center in Chillicothe, where I live with my husband, two boys, and collie dog. I began teaching art part-time at Morton Junior High in 2015, and was thrilled when it became a full-time position the following year.

In art class, we explore a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, paper maché, ceramics, and sculpture. We also learn to observe and discuss the work of other artists, contemporary, historical, and multicultural. I believe that with just a little secret principle here and there and a bit of practice at basic skills, everyone can express their passions, opinions, and interests with visual art. Creating can be so much fun! That's not to mention the growing career opportunities in art and design.

Mission:

My mission for art class is to empower students with skills to create, discuss, and understand art so that they may express their own artistic voice.

I have been teaching at Morton Junior High School since 2022. I graduated from Illinois State University with my undergrad in Special Education, and have my master's from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction and Trauma & Resilience in Educational Setting. I am currently working on my Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership - Director of Special Education from Arkansas State University.

My mission for my class is to provide a positive atmosphere where my students feel comfortable, safe, and grow both academically and socially. I am married to my husband, Chris, and we have two daughters and a son, Kendall, Quinn, and Archer.

When I am not teaching, you can find me at my kids' sporting events, Disney World, and Chicago Cubs games. Go, Potters!

Mrs. Fitzpatrick earned her bachelors degree in music education from Bradley University and her masters in music education from Illinois State University. Along with directing the MJHS bands, she is the woodwind instructor for the MHS marching band.


Mission for the Class

To develop and enhance a musical community through independent musicianship, music performance, and music appreciation.

Although I moved around a few times while growing up, I was born in Peoria and came back to the area for middle school and high school. I attended Metamora Township High School and went off to The University of Illinois to receive my teaching degree. I moved back to the area after graduating in 2010 and taught at Edison Junior High School in Pekin the first 8 years of my career. I also received my Master’s Degree in 2015 from Illinois State University. My husband is from Morton, so we settled down in here in town after getting married in 2011. We have two children, Titus and McKenna. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and being active outdoors.

I have been teaching English Language Arts at MJHS since 2006. While not in the classroom, you can find me coaching and sponsoring multiple extra-curricular activities. I love to watch our students succeed both in class and on the playing field. I enjoy gardening, traveling, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs, no matter how much they may hurt my heart.

Mission for the Class

The mission of my class is to widen a student's outlook on learning and literature by providing a wide range of stories and novels to share. I strive to provide a positive and welcoming environment to all students. Learning in a positive atmosphere is not only a path to success, but also a way to a better educational outlook.

I have been teaching at Morton Junior High School since 2011. I love teaching and getting to interact with a variety of students. I am married and have a daughter named Lila. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports, especially football. I also enjoy traveling, playing ultimate Frisbee, and karate. My mission is to encourage and challenge students to reach their full potential through critical thinking skills and high expectations.

Mission for the Class

My mission is to assist students to achieve their highest potential by helping them become problem.

I am an interventionist and work with students who may need support academically or socially/emotionally. If a student has a plan with me, I may push them into a classroom to support them or provide more intensive instruction within my classroom. I graduated from Trinity Christian College with my undergrad in Special Education and have my master's from ISU for Special Education and Curriculum Adaptation. I am currently working on my School Counseling master's degree from Arkansas State University.

I joined the Morton Junior High staff in 2024 and am so excited to be a Junior Potter again! Being born and raised in Morton, I was a white team math student years ago. I am so thankful to be back to my roots in District 709!

After graduating from Illinois State University, I taught 7th grade Math at Washington Middle School for two years. My goal is to help students grow confident in their math abilities and as individuals. It is my hope that my room is a safe space for all who walk through the door!

When I am not in the classroom, you can find me hanging out with my husband, family, or friends. I also enjoy going on walks, working out, soaking up the sun, or shopping at TJMaxx!

Crystal Lohnes came to Morton 709 to bring the food services home. After decades of paying food service providers, she came on board to intentionally build a meal program that students and staff can look forward to in the middle of the school day. She is building menus as she builds a food services team. She would love to hear what your students look forward to the most.

I am the 7th/8th grade ACES Instructor (Academic Connections/Emotional Support). I assist students with their academic and social/emotional needs. I focus on creating a calming environment where students learn to regulate their emotions, helping them return to classes. Students within the program are identified using specific parameters based on their individual social/emotional needs.

I also serve as the Special Education Department Head, organizing and supporting the RISE and Resource programs within the building.

I'm thrilled to be an ELA Studies teacher at Morton Junior High School. I'm an undergraduate student of St. Ambrose University, and I received my first masters from Bradley University.

I love to travel and spent time after college working with the Peace Corps in Indonesia. I'm married and besides reading, writing, listening to music, and being active, my husband and three children are my whole world.

With my students, it is my goal to have my students dive deep into literature and develop skills to be critical thinkers and lifelong learners. I hope to instill in them the importance and love of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Thank you for being such a wonderful community to work in! Go Morton!

I grew up in Washington, IL. It is there where I attended grade school and high school. During high school I was involved with baseball, band, musicals, art club, and national honor society. I graduated from Illinois State University in 2010. I did my student teaching at Morton High School. My first teaching job was at Triopia, a school in the Jacksonville, IL area. In 2011, I moved back to be at Morton High School teaching Freshman Biology and Sophomore Chemistry. I was also a freshman sponsor, national honor society advisor, and assistant freshman baseball coach.

I got married over the summer of 2012 and my wife and I are currently living in Washington. In 2015, my wife and I welcomed our first son, Blake. In 2017, we had our second son, Kyle.

I started 2012 at Morton Junior High and have been here ever since. In 2014, I became the 7th grade baseball coach. Since then, we have amassed over 100 victories. In 2016, I created the Tabletop Time Club as an after-school activity that focuses on board games and role-playing games. From 2019-2023, I was the head coach of the first-ever Morton High School eSports team. Over that time, we placed 9th in the State in 2022 in SSBU. In 2024, I became the Scholastic Bowl Coach for the Jr. High.

Mission for the Class
My mission as a 7th grade science teacher is to allow the students a chance to explore the world of science and experience the vast world around them from the classroom.

Hello! I am very excited to be a part of the wonderful community that is Morton Junior High School. After graduating from Truman State University in 2019, I attended Bradley University to attain my master's in Professional School Counseling. I completed my internship here at MJHS, as well as Morton High School, and I am so grateful that I was offered a permanent job at the junior high. I graduated from Bradley in 2022.

I could not be happier to start my professional career as a junior potter! My goal is to provide students with the resources they need to thrive and help them prepare for high school and beyond. I also hope that each student knows that they have several supports here at the junior high and that help is always available to them if they would ever need it. Go Potters!

I am the Principal’s Administrative Assistant at MJHS. It is a pleasure to come to work every day! We have a wonderful and dedicated staff. Our office’s main goal is to be helpful to the students, parents and staff. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or come in to see us. I am available from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Welcome to Morton Junior High! I will be greeting you on the phone and in the office. My goal is to always be positive and helpful with any situation. Before I worked in the school districts I was a bookkeeper for 10 years. I have been working in Illinois schools for over 11 years now and I enjoy my job every day! No two days are alike and I like that challenge and I also enjoy being with the kids! My husband and I have three kids of our own. Some of my favorite things to do; playing euchre, movies, reading, camping, traveling and taking naps! I look forward to every school year and serving the Morton 709 families!

Welcome to Geography! We are so excited to have you on the Green Team this year! I grew up in Tremont and received my Bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005. After teaching for 4 years in Dwight, IL I welcomed the opportunity to come closer to home and teach at MJHS. One of the things I love about teaching geography is the opportunity to look at cultures and people all over the world. I have had the opportunity to travel to a few places like Australia, Romania, and South Africa and I love seeing how people in other parts of the world live. I’m excited to bring that experience to our classroom at MJHS. When I’m not teaching I enjoy being outside, exercising, and spending time with my family. My husband Justin and I were married in 2012 and now have two beautiful girls, Elsie and Evelyn. We love being a part of this great community! I look forward to getting to know the new green team students this year!

My Mission

My mission for geography is not only to help the students gain a better understanding for cultures and climates of other parts of the world but also to better understand how those cultures have influenced where we are today. I hope that the students will leave my classroom with a passion for learning and an understanding of people and places all over the world.

I am a former Junior Potter and began teaching 7th grade English Language Arts at MJHS in 2022! I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Middle-Level Education. I am married to my husband, Pete, who is also a middle school teacher. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me spending time with my family, reading, shopping, teaching dance classes, and coaching the MJHS Dance Team!

My mission for the class is to expand students’ reading and writing skills and to teach ELA standards in a way that is relevant to our everyday lives. I strive to create a positive learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to do their best!

After teaching in East Peoria, Illinois for 3 years, I came to MJHS in 2010. I have lived in Morton my entire life and had the privilege of going to school in this wonderful district. After graduating from Morton High School, I went to Illinois Central College and then on to Illinois State University to complete my math degree. I am very excited to be “home” and teach at MJHS and I look forward to a great year with students, parents, faculty, and administration.

Mission for the Class
My mission for the classroom is to create a learning environment where all students can be successful. I will challenge every student to reach their potential by using various instructional methods and involving the students in the learning process.

I am excited to be the White Team Resource Teacher! I have been working at MJHS since 2009. I started as a paraprofessional before moving into teaching. I am the MJHS chess coach and also teach chess in the summer through the park district. I am married and have four children, all of whom graduated from Morton High School. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and traveling with my family. We have 8 cats who keep me busy at home.

Mission for the Class

The mission of my class is to give students the tools they need to become successful problem solvers in all aspects of their education. In ELA class, my goal is to provide students with a love of reading and writing that will enable them to become lifelong learners.

I spent the early part of my childhood in Morton before my family moved to Geneseo where I graduated from Geneseo High School in 2009. Following that, I attended the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where I earned a degree in Broad Field Social Studies Education in 2014. Prior to returning to Morton in 2017, I taught for 3 years in Ellsworth, WI. I am excited to be at MJHS and back in the Morton Community!

Mission for the Class

My goal is to create a safe, positive class environment that is conducive to student learning and where all students can be successful. Students will be challenged through a variety of instructional methods and materials in order to enhance critical thinking and analysis skills.

Welcome to Morton Junior High School! I am Beth Spaniol, the guidance counselor for all 7th and 8th graders. I am available to help every student have a successful school year. As a school counselor, I work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators in many ways through a variety of services. Students may visit me by appointment during their study hall and/or lunch periods. I am also available both before and after school. If parents have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime during school hours at 266-6522.

It’s a Great Day to be a Junior Potter!

Mission:
My goal is to help every student succeed educationally, socially, and personally at Morton Junior High School.

Welcome to social studies! Throughout the year we will take a look at both the physical and cultural geography of North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and more. Our class goal is a better cultural awareness by developing an understanding of the diverse beliefs and customs of the people of our planet. During the year I will also be coaching Girls' Basketball and Track as well as being the white team leader. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have either in person, through e-mail or by phone. I look forward to another great year of working with the best students in the world.

Welcome to Health, I am excited to teach both 7th and 8th grade students throughout the school year!

I grew up in Peoria, IL, and graduated from Richwoods High School in 2010. I attended Illinois Central College where I played college soccer for 2 years, then went to Illinois State University graduating in December of 2015. I completed my student teaching at Metamora High School. I worked as a Physical Education Teacher in 2016 for Peoria Public Schools. In 2017 I was hired at MJHS as the Health Education teacher. I got my Master's degree in Health and Wellness Education in 2022.

I coached freshman and sophomore volleyball in 2018 and 2019 and JV soccer in 2018 for Morton High School. Ms. Hasler and I started the Bowling Team in 2021 at MJHS. Mrs. Hartzler and I started the Cooking Club in 2021 at MJHS and are still currently running this club.

I married my husband Strati in 2016 and we currently live in Peoria as he is a Peoria FireFighter. We have 3 children, Paraskevas, Yanni, and Kalliope.

My Mission for Health Class:
I want to create a safe and positive environment for my students, and a place where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning new things. Our health is one of our most prized possessions, and my goal for this class is to teach students to appreciate their health, and therefore, make the right decisions to maintain good health throughout their lifetime.

I am excited to be teaching 8th grade science here at Morton Junior High! I grew up in Sherman, IL before attending Illinois State University. After earning a bachelor's degree, I taught 7th and 8th grade science in Pekin for seven years. While there, I also earned my master's degree in educational administration. I began teaching at MJHS in 2016 and have enjoyed the opportunities I have been given. This is a great place to teach and learn!

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Missouri State University. I am the Lead Aide (Paraprofessional) for the Morton Junior High School. I work to assist staff and students in making the most of their learning opportunities. I train Paraprofessionals and work with teachers to assist students at different levels to meet their educational goals.

I went to Washington High School and Bradley University where I earned a BA, MA , and started an Ed D degree. I taught U.S.History at MJHS for 36 years. During my teaching career I received the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence from WHOI - TV. The past 10 years I have been a study hall supervisor at MJHS.