Hello! It is my great honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Edison Middle School, an amazing place due to wonderful children and families and a top-notch staff that cares deeply about helping every child achieve their greatest potential. 

I grew up in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended South Milwaukee High School where I participated on the swim team, the basketball team and the softball team. 

After graduating, I went to France for a year as an exchange student with AFS, and then attended college at Chapman University in Orange, California, where I earned Bachelor's degrees in English and French. I then moved to Chicago where I served as an Americorps VISTA in a literacy program before becoming a Teacher for Chicago. I taught 3rd and 4th grade at Leslie Lewis School in the North Austin neighborhood and then taught 7th and 8th grade language arts and coached 7th and 8th grade girls basketball at Walt Disney Magnet School in the Buena Park/Uptown neighborhood. During these years, I earned a  Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University in River Forest. I am currently working on my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies through Northern Illinois University. 

In 2000, I moved to Oswego where I worked in the Oswego CUSD 308 school district for 10 years. I taught 7th and 8th grade language arts and coached 7th grade girls basketball at Thompson Junior High. I earned my endorsement in School Library Media and then had the opportunity to open new school libraries at Bednarcik Junior High and Oswego East High School. I then earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and served as assistant principal at Plank Junior High for four years. 

In 2012, I joined the Edison Middle School community, and I have been proud to call Edison my home ever since. 

I am passionate about supporting teachers and staff so they are equipped to support their students' development. I love getting to know our students and families and partnering with them ensure that our students have the best middle school years possible. 

My family now lives in Naperville. I have two children (ages 22 and 19), and a goldendoodle named Sadie. 

Phone: 630-682-2050

Email Ms. Rachel Bednar

Degrees and Certifications:

B.A. English & French, Chapman University, Orange, CA
M.A. Curriculum & Instruction, Concordia University, River Forest, IL
K-12 Library Media Endorsement, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
M.A. Educational Leadership, Governors State University, University Park, IL
Ed.S. in Educational Administration Superintendent Preparation, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Marguerite Key Fellow, 2018

The 2024-2025 school year will be my second year at Edison Middle School; I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Panther family and help create a fun and exciting learning environment and provide students with an unforgettable middle school experience. I am excited to continue building rapport and positive connections with our amazing Panther students, continue collaborating with our excellent staff, and strengthen the positive relationships with our wonderful parents and the District 200 community.

Before joining the Panther family, I taught 7th & 8th grade Math from 2013-2023 at SE Gross Middle School in Brookfield, Illinois, and prior to teaching at SE Gross, I taught High School Math at Galesburg High School which is where I began my teaching career.

I received my undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.  In 2019, I completed my second Master's degree through Concordia University Chicago and I have Master's degrees in both Teacher Leadership and Administration/Principal Endorsement.

I am an avid sports fan and enjoy watching just about any major collegiate or professional sport.  My favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and the University of Michigan Wolverines (GO BLUE!). 

From 2013 - 2021 I coached football for Nazareth Academy. In those years, we won state championships in 2014, 2015, and 2018, and state runner-ups in 2017 and 2019.  I am always excited to watch on TV and root for Julian Love (Seattle Seahawks) and JJ McCarthy (University of Michigan).  It was truly special watching them play and coaching them at Nazareth!

August 2024 marks 10 years since I have been married to my wonderful wife, Kelly. In July 2019 we welcomed the birth of our first child, Claire and in April 2021 we welcomed the birth of our second daughter, Grace. We love watching them play and interact with each other.

 We also have a Black Lab, Bo who loves to go for walks and meet anyone who asks to pet him.

Phone: 630-682-2050

Email Mr. Jim Zimmerman

Degrees and Certifications:

B.A. Mathematics, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL
M.A. Teacher Leadership, Concordia University, River Forest, IL
M.A. Illinois Principal Preparation, Concordia University, River Forest, IL