The first day of school for Coal City Community Unit School District 1 is set for Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Coal City Intermediate School will welcome three new teachers.
Olivia Brus is a new addition to the fine arts program at Coal City High School where she will be teaching art courses—photography, design and Intro to Art. She will also be working with the Anime and Art Clubs.
Oliva obtained her bachelor in fine arts degree from the American Academy of Art and her masters from Northern Illinois University. She previously taught at Stagg, Hinsdale Central and South, Downers Grove North High Schools, as well as in District 218 based in Oak Lawn.
Inspired by her high school and college instructors, Olivia changed careers from one in graphic design to art education. “I wanted to make an impact and pass on the inspiration my teachers gave me,” she said.
It was Coal City’s, “wonderful, close-knit community,” that drew her to seeking a position in the district and she is looking forward to the opportunity to make art a major draw for students.
“I’m excited to learn and grow in this district and become a memorable teacher for our students,” she said, adding she is also looking forward to being, “that weird art teacher.”
In the process her goal is to have students exit her class with a deeper appreciation for art and how art shaped the world. “Not everyone will be an artist, but everyone can interact and appreciate art,” she said.
Olivia is a working artist outside of the classroom as a freelance graphic designer. Some of her past work was with popular companies such as Starbucks, Tootsie Roll and Jelly Belly. She is also into pottery, gardening and her pets—cats, dogs, snakes, fish and lizards.
Matthew Felbein is the new middle and high school choir director. He will also instruct sixth grade music this year and oversee the high school’s Footnotes show choir.
Matthew recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a bachelors in music education. When seeking a position, Matthew was interested in Coal City due to its amazing fine arts reputation, and the fact he had family that lived in the community.
His path into education was paved by his own music educator and “how exciting it was to help young musicians find the joy and excitement of making music together.”
In his first year teaching, Matthew’s goals are to create a space where students feel welcome and excited to make music; make connections with students that allow them to grow and do their best, and find ways to use music to give back to the community.
“I want students to not only feel comfortable and confident making music with others, but also to find ways they can apply the ideas we learn outside of the classroom in both musical and non-musical ways,” he said.
In addition to teaching and performing music, Matthew enjoys composing and writing music and had a piece that was performed at Carneige Hall in New York City.
Some of his other interests are biking, hiking, crocheting and musical theatre.
Payton Hutchings joins the Coal City High School staff as its new physical education teacher. He will also serve as the assistant varsity baseball and assistant varsity girls basketball coach.
Payton is a Coaler graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology—physical education teaching this spring from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. During his college years he played baseball for the Fighting Illini.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Payton sought a career in the education field. Coming back to his hometown and teaching at his alma mater provides him an opportunity, “to give back to this great community for everything it has given me, and a way I can do that is by inspiring the next generation of learners,” he said.
As a first year teacher, Payton said he is looking forward to building relationships with those in the district and to leave an impact on his students. Being able to connect or build a relationship with a student is viewed as a good day, and personally a good day is marked by any day he is able to learn something new to make him a better teacher.
As an educator, Payton said, “I want my students to take life long lessons in physical activity—healthy eating habits, weightlifting/training routines, and mental health and wellness skills,” he said, noting he views success as being any improvement in a student from the time they first attempted something.
In his personal time, Payton enjoys being outside, on the golf course or going on bike rides.