Mr. Horan

Dear Students and Parents,

I am excited to begin my first year on the Stars Team. The 2009-10 school year is my third at Kennedy. I have taught geography on the Fire Team for the past two years. I am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as working with new students.

I was born and raised in Naperville. I attended Elmwood, Lincoln, and Naperville Central, graduating in 2001. I feel quite fortunate to have had so many phenomenal teachers throughout my education in District 203. It is an honor to return as a teacher to the district that prepared me to face the personal and academic challenges I faced in college and beyond.

After graduating from NCHS, I attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Go Illini! I double-majored in history and psychology. I also took a lot of literature classes; The Short Story was my favorite college course.

Truthfully, I did not decide to enter the teaching profession until my senior year at the U of I. As my graduation approached and my anxiety increased, I mulled over my options. I had taken a number of education classes and volunteered in an elementary school. I looked back fondly on an inspirational education honors symposium I repeated several times for credit. My decision was made.

I graduated from the U of I on a sunny Sunday afternoon in May of 2005. I began my graduate studies / certification program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale the next day. In the fall of 2007, I student taught right here at Kennedy. I worked with Mr. Meehan on the News Team, teaching eighth grade social science. I graduated from SIU with my Master's of Arts in Teaching in the summer of 2008. That brings us to the present.

I am currently "pre-engaged" to a lovely woman named Eve. We just bought a ring and a marriage proposal is imminent. I also own a dog named Maebe. She's a border collie - German Sheppard mix. Maebe loves to chase frisbees and we are currently working to improve her swimming skills.

Contact Mr. Horan

Voice Mail:  630-848-5536

Email:  mhoran@naperville203.org