St. Mark's Lutheran Church & School
Our Faculty & Staff
St. Mark's Lutheran School
504 North James Street
Steeleville, IL 62288
(618) 965-3838
Dr. Janet Wicker, Administrator
I have a long history with St. Mark's Lutheran School having taught at the school from 1981-1999. I graduated from Concordia College in River Forest in 1981 and began my teaching career at St. Mark's. While at St. Mark's I taught 5th grade, 2nd grade, and 1st grade. I earned my Masters degree in Reading and Language Studies in 1998 and went on to earn my Ph.D. in Reading Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 2004. I continued my teaching career at McKendree University beginning in 2004 and retiring this year after 20 years.
Dana Warren, Secretary
Dana has been serving St. Mark's School as the secretary since 2023.
Delana Whelan, Pre-School Director/Teacher & Part-Time Administrator
We congratulate Ms. Whelan on her new position for the 2025-2026 school year. We wish every success in her future.
Rhonda Hall, Kindergarten Teacher
My first year at St. Mark's, I taught third grade. This year, I am thrilled to be teaching the Kindergarten class.
I am excited to teach the Kindergarteners essential skills and help them gain knowledge to succeed in their academic careers. I am eager to observe the children as they develop a wide range of academic skills in language, literacy, thinking and cognitive awareness. Along with the academic skills they will develop, they will also increase in their physical, social and emotional development.
My prayer for each of the children is that they grow not only in academic knowledge but also develop a love of Jesus to be carried with them throughout their lives.
Judy Sarwark, 1st Grade Teacher
Congratulation to Mrs. Sarwark on retirement! She has been an explemplary teacher here at St. Mark's and we wish happiness during her retirement.
Beth Poenitske, 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher
I am the 2nd & 3rd grade teacher at SMLS. Last year, I taught fifth through eigth grade Math as well as some 4th grade curriculum.
I look forward to teaching second and third graders as these are important years in a child's education. These children learn essential skills in language, reading, math, and social-emotional development. I love that by the time students begin second and third grade, school isn't new to them, but a continuation of skills they have developed.
It excites my teacher heart to observe and scaffold for these students the skills necessary to move forward in their education. I can't wait to see their academic growth as well as their learning to walk closer with Jesus.
Elizabeth Rees, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher
Congratulations, Mrs. Rees, on your retirement. Thank you for all you have done for St. Mark's School while with us.