My name is Jeffrey Damaschke and I am thrilled to join the staff at South Loop Elementary to teach 3rd grade this year. I am a Chicagoan through and through, born, raised and schooled on the Southwest side of the city.  I come from a large, close-knit family.  We are passionate, loving (a bit loud) and enjoy time spent with one another. 

My world has revolved around education since 2005 including opportunities to work on the operational side of education as well as hands-on classroom teaching.  I taught English and Math overseas for the American School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Hong Kong.  I spent the last school year teaching 3rd grade in Los Angeles for the KIPP Foundation.  

I am a passionate literacy advocate having volunteered for many programs geared towards closing the gap between literacy and success. I created and facilitated a literacy program for the woman’s sector at Cook County Jail in addition to reading programs at women and children’s shelters around Chicago. 

I hold a Bachelors Degree in Education from DePaul University and a Master’s in Teaching from National Louis University.  I am a die-hard humanitarian.  My approach to life and teaching is prudent, pragmatic, and empathic and I have and always will root with great enthusiasm for the under-dog.  My friends will tell you I am not a baseball fan, so please don’t share my secret:  GO CUBBIES!  

I am a voracious reader and an avid cyclist.  I am also a pet lover.  Past pets that have kept me company while living in Asia include Won Ton the lizard, and two black goldfish: Lucy Lui and Jackie Chan.  And the best pug ever, Bentley.  Looking forward to making a difference…

 

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  "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."

                                                                                                  Muhammad Ali