Building Representatives

Sparke: Denise Kern & Christine Saporito

All About Denise: I have been working in Island Trees for 30 years. I have been a Building Representative for 6 years. I teach First Grade in an ICT Classroom at Sparke. 

All About Christine: I have been working in Island Trees for 32 years. I have been a Building Representative for 11 years. I teach Kindergarten at Sparke. 

Stokes: Helen Kane, Michelle Martin, Chris McGowen

All About Helen: My name is Helen Kane and I am a Third Grade Teacher at Stokes. I have been working in our district for over 30 years.  I have been involved with the union throughout my career. I am currently a Building Representative and also the Health and Welfare Coordinator. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I would be happy to help!  

All About Michelle: My name is Michelle Martin and I'm a fourth grade teacher at Stokes Elementary School. I've had the opportunity to work at both Stokes and Sparke during my nine years teaching in Island Trees. I currently serve as a teacher representative for the PTA and as the club advisor for Stokes Squad, our Leadership Club, and Chess Club. This is my first year serving as a building representative. 

All About Chris: I have been working in Island Trees for 26 years. This is my first year as a Building Representative. I teach Fourth Grade at Stokes. 

Island Trees Middle School: Dana Galgan, Julie Schultz, Pam Losi, Michelle Clarke

All About Dana: This is my 11th year as a special education teacher in Island Trees and 5th year as a building representative at the middle school. I am a co-advisor of the National Junior Honor Society. 

All About Julie: This is my first year serving as a Union Representative for ITMMS and my 6th year as a 7/8 grade math teacher. I am also the Varsity Volleyball coach as well as the Middle School volleyball coach. 

All About Pam: ITMMS has been my home away from home for the past 27 years.

All About Michelle: This is my first second serving as a Union Representative for the middle school. I’ve been part of the Island Trees community for the past 13 years, where I’ve primarily worked as the 5th and 6th grade Math Specialist/Coach.

Island Trees High School: Ryan Vinberg, Danielle Hastings, Brian Higgins, Melissa Cillo

All About Ryan: I have been teaching for 22 years. I teach Earth and Space science and AP Environmental Science at the High School. I also coach Football, Wrestling, and girls Badminton. This is my second year as a building rep alternate.

All About Danielle: I work at the High School and teach AP Physics and Robotics. I have been teaching in Island Trees for 11 years. I am the girls varsity soccer coach and an advisor for the Robotics Club at the High School. 

All About Brian: I have taught Social Studies in the district for 21 years at the Middle and High School levels. This will be my third year as a building representative.

All About Melissa: I have taught Social Studies in the district for 19 years at the High School.  I currently teach 12th grade - AP US Government & Politics and 11th grade - AP US History.   This is my second year as a building representative.

UTIT Retirees: Donna Toman, Joanne Pitzer

On behalf of the Retired Teachers,  Joanne and I currently serve on the Committee of Pre-School Special Education. We are Co- Presidents of the RTIT. It’s a pleasure to always welcome new members every year. 

We taught at Island Trees for a combined total of 60 years. Joanne serviced Special Education students K-12 and Donna was a 4th grade teacher in J. Fred Sparke School.

It was the most rewarding experience that still continues today.

We have always remained “United Teachers” and Union Strong.