"All great achievements take time."
~Maya Angelou
My Philosophy
As a firm believer that all great achievements take time, I believe in long-term equitable solutions that will last through the next generations. I am dedicated to increasing access to STEAM for girls, Blacks, Latin-X, and other groups who are traditionally not in STEAM fields. Finally, creating globally competent educators and students is a staple tenet for all the work I do. This work leads to more equitable, diverse, and inclusionary practices which can ultimately allow our society to thrive, prosper, and grow.
Biography
I am a servant leader. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois I have found my desire to give back and help shape the next generation has led me to thrive in the education world. I currently work full time as CEO of After the Peanut serve as a County Board member for Will County and teach college level courses at Lewis University and Governors State University. I have over 15 years of experience in education and also served as a Military Police Officer in the Illinois Army National Guard. I am walking in my purpose and it is the greatest feeling ever!
Educational Career
I began my educational career in 2003 and never looked back. My first job was as a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Bloom High School in 2007, I then moved on to become the Science and Social Science Coordinator for Joliet Public Schools District 86 in 2012. In 2018 I decided to step out of the box and began working full time for the company I founded in After the Peanut. In 2021, Dr. Coleman earned her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) from the University of Illinois.
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I am a national educational consultant providing training, curriculum, and consulting for a vast amount of K-12 educators and community organizations. Some of my training topics include Leadership, STEM Best Practices, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Improving Student Attendance. My latest training Equity in Schools focuses on cultivating global students, addressing innate biases and reducing stereotypes in order to improve school systems, structures and treatment of students. Some of my professional accolades include being a Illinois Science Assessment Writer, National Geographic Educator of the Week, National Science Teacher Association Presenter, and TED Innovative Educator.
Public Service Career
In 2020 I was elected to the Will County Board. One of my proudest moments as a Board Member was spearheading the resolution to have Will County designated as a Hidden Heroes county. Hidden Heroes provides resources and funding to veteran caregivers. Will County has over 10,000 veteran caregivers and this will prove to be monumental for those who serve those who served their country. I am seeking re-election in 2022. My priorities for my second term focus on veterans, education, mental health, affordable housing, and innovative economic development. I plan to serve my constituents by creating equitable and measurable goals, global thinking, team work, and strategic problem solving.