Greetings!

My name is Kelsey McDonell. I am a third grade teacher at Marie Schaefer Elementary School. This is also my first year as a teacher! 

I attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where I received a bachelor's degree in English Literature. Afterwards, I moved back to my hometown of Mascoutah, IL. While I was home, I began working as a Child & Youth Programs Counselor at the Youth Center on Scott Air Force Base.  I am very comfortable working with school-age children, creating fun, engaging lessons and activities. Additionally, I have worked with many military families on navigating children through parent deployments and moving from place to place. After working at the Youth Center for the past five years, I found my calling to become an elementary school teacher. I made the decision to go back to school at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where I worked for my bachelor's in elementary education.  

I currently live in Belleville with my husband, whom I married in July, and our goofy German Shepard/Chow mix, Kobe. 

I am so excited about beginning my career as an educator in such a wonderful school community. Go Wildcats!!