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Pear Instructional Math Coaches

Ava Belisle-Chatterjee, Ph.D. - Elementary & Dual Language

Dr. Belisle-Chatterjee has a distinguished career as a dual language/bilingual teacher, staff and program developer, notable curriculum author and writer, instructional coach, and university professor. In addition to her role as a Pear Instructional Math Coach, she is also an Associate Professor in the Education Department at Columbia College in Chicago for which she is the founding chairperson and served in that role for 19 years.

Marni Nissen Olmstead, B.A., M.S. - Early Childhood & Elementary, ESL

Ms. Olmstead brings her extensive ESL and instructional coaching experience to Pear School Solutions. In addition to her role as a Pear Instructional Math Coach, she serves as an Assistant Professor at Columbia College where she teaches a variety of courses in the education program including the Methods of Teaching Math, Science, and Technology in both Pre-Primary and Primary classrooms. She is dedicated to working with teachers on embracing the latest research-based instructional practices that support students’ achievement in mathematics.

Noreen Winningham, Ed.D. - Elementary

Dr. Winningham is a winner of the Foundation for Excellence in Teaching Golden Apple Award for her innovation in the classroom, she was a dedicated elementary school teacher and middle school administrator for over 20 years in Evanston/Skokie School District 65. Dr. Winningham then went on to become an author, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach with the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP).

Camille Bourisaw, M.S.Ed. - Elementary

Ms. Bourisaw is an award winning, accomplished educator with over 30 years experience as an elementary classroom teacher, curriculum designer and developer, and instructional coach. She held positions with Edwardsville School District 7 and Wilmette Public School District 39, where she taught a range of elementary grades.

John Benson - Middle & High School

Mr. Benson has a legendary career as a math educator spanning decades as a beloved secondary, college, and university teacher and mentor to countless colleagues. Testimonies abound from former students who credit the passion, enthusiasm, and sincere personal interest Mr. Benson exudes with their career decisions to become teachers of mathematics themselves. His illustrious career continues to impact educators in direct as well as residual ways as evidenced in his receipt of the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Distinguished Life Achievement in Mathematics Award in 2017.

Richard Kaplan, M.A.T. - Middle & High School

Mr. Kaplan is the recipient of the 2015 Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics T.E. Rine Award for Excellence in Secondary Mathematics Teaching. This award honors one high school math teacher each year for prolonged effective service in the classroom and contributions to the advancement of mathematics education. He has over 30 successful years experience as a high school math educator, school leader, curriculum developer, and speaker.

Raymond J. Klein, M.A.T. - Middle & High School

Mr. Klein’s career in mathematics education spans over 30 years as a high school teacher, curriculum author, conference presenter, technology advisor and trainer, and professional development facilitator. His background in coaching teachers and providing training to educators to become trainers themselves supports his passion for helping educators adopt instructional practices that increase student achievement.

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