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 2025–2026 school year marks my third year at Edison Middle School, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Panther family. At Edison, we strive to create a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every student feels connected and inspired. I’m especially excited to continue building strong relationships with our amazing students, collaborating with our dedicated staff, and partnering with parents and the greater District 200 community.

Before coming to Edison, I taught 7th and 8th grade math at SE Gross Middle School in Brookfield, Illinois, from 2013–2023. Prior to that, I began my teaching career at Galesburg High School as a high school math teacher.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I hold two master’s degrees from Concordia University Chicago — one in Teacher Leadership and another in Educational Administration with a Principal Endorsement.

Outside of school, I’m a big sports fan and enjoy watching nearly every major collegiate and professional sport. I cheer on the Chicago Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and especially the University of Michigan Wolverines — Go Blue!

From 2013 to 2021, I coached football at Nazareth Academy, where we won state championships in 2014, 2015, and 2018, and finished as runner-up in 2017 and 2019. It’s been a joy to watch former players like Julian Love (Seattle Seahawks) and JJ McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) continue their journeys in the NFL.

My wife, Kelly, and I have been married since 2014. We’re proud parents to two wonderful daughters — Claire (born in 2019) and Grace (born in 2021). We also have a friendly Black Lab named Bo, who’s always up for a walk or meeting new friends.

I look forward to another great year of learning, growth, and #EdisonPantherPride!

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