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Jacksonwald Elementary

Grades K-4 | 610-779-1820

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Directory

JACKSONWALD ELEMENTARY

100 Church Lane Road | Reading, PA 19606
(610) 779-1820

Click Here For A Searchable Directory
  • Office

    x5103 Matt Hathaway, Principal
    x5101 Dani Merkel, Secretary
    x5102 Marybeth Eckenroth, Attendance Secretary

  • Counselor & Psychologist

    x5210 Kate Atkinson, School Counselor
    x5712 Jodi Landis, Psychologist

  • Nurse

    x5104 Nicole Strauss

  • Technology Support

    x5136 Kristin Kenagy

Note: Faculty phone numbers go to voice mail during school hours

  • Kindergarten

    x5427 Christine Druzba
    x5425 Lori Simmons
    x5426 Ashley Weaver

  • Grade 1

    x5119 Christina Ibanez
    X5121 Becky Krommes
    x5120 Kristine Schmidt

  • Grade 2

    x5124 Val Bloch
    x5123 Cyndi Lorady 
    x5126 Christine Motley

  • Grade 3

    x5219 Jenna Conrow
    x5221 Kaitlyn Lohr
    x5217 Stacia Miller
    x5220 Karlee Perilli

  • Grade 4

    X5226 Melissa Adams
    x5224 Brianna Amanto
    x5227 Elizabeth Caruso
    x5225 Todd Papich 

  • Reading & Intervention Specialists

    x5211 Hillary Arndt, Intervention Specialist
    x5422 Rachel Gierlich, English as a Second Language
    x5212 Nancy Salvatore, Reading Specialist
    x5207 Allison Shuman, Reading/Intervention Specialist

  • Special Education

    x5419 Karyn Algeo, Autistic Support
    x5117 Jennifer Elliott, Learning Support
    x5127 Heather Gromlich, Autistic Support
    x5223 Trisha Maguire, Learning Support
    x5218 Saranne Reisig, Learning Support
    x5423 Robyn Shaffer, Autistic Support
    x5125 Kathleen Walker, Gifted

  • Specials

    x5150 Matt Hadley, Physical Education
    x5417 Heather Hafer, Music
    x5208 Amy Parsons, Art
    x5418 Emily Reppert, Instrumental Music
    x5138 Wendy Wegman, Library

  • Therapist

    x5420 Daria Robinson, Speech Therapist

Home » Teacher’s journey inspires students and colleagues
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During the last 20 years, Michele Bautsch has worked in nearly every building in Exeter, and has held nearly a dozen different job titles, but none have been the most fulfilling to her until this year when she achieved her goal of becoming a full-time certified special education teacher–a journey that she said she owes to teachers and administrators who saw her special light, talent and love in working with emotional support students and kept encouraging her to further her education to have a classroom of her own. “I never thought I would become a special education teacher at 54,” said Michele, adding a touch of her signature encouragement: “It is never too late to go back to school and get the degree you deserve. It takes a lot of effort, but in the end it is all worth it.” 

Michele’s journey began in teaching when she earned an elementary education degree after graduating from college. However, when her children were born, she decided to stay home to care for them. When her girls, Rachel ‘12 and Jordan ‘14, entered school full time, Michele looked to return to work as a teacher, but her teaching certification had expired. It was then that she began her 20-year journey in the district holding a variety of teaching aide positions at Jacksonwald, Owatin Creek, Reiffton and the Senior High, mostly working with students who have special needs. Looking back, she said she always loved working with younger students, but it was seeing her impact on older kids with emotional needs that she found the greatest satisfaction, which propelled her to return to school in the fall of 2019 to recertify as a special education teacher. Next week, she’ll graduate from Alvernia with her master’s degree in special education–and a 4.0. 

Although Michele is quick to thank the administrators who encouraged her and inspired her to chase her dream of becoming a certified teacher, you’ll find that it’s those same people who are inspired by Michele’s own journey and perseverance. “She shows her students day in and day out that hard work pays off and that you can always strive for more for yourself,” says Secondary Special Education Supervisor Jillian Brodhead. Owatin Creek Principal Kristi Coble agreed, and added, “Seeing Michele in action with students, it was always evident she was meant to be a teacher. Her dedication to student success and to continue her education in order to do so is inspirational!”

Jacksonwald Elementary School

jacksonwald

Address & Contact Info

  • 100 Church Lane Road
    Reading, PA 19606

  • Phone:
    610-779-1820

  • Fax:
    610-779-8844

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Our Schools

Exeter Township Senior High

Exeter Township Junior High

Reiffton School

Jacksonwald Elementary

Lorane Elementary

Owatin Creek Elementary