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.
Samantha Comer, Pre-School Director/Teacher
Hello, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Samantha Comer, a wife and mother to four children. My family resides in Steeleville, Illinois. Recently, I accepted the position at St. Mark's Lutheran School as the Pre-School Director/Teacher and am thrilled for the school year to begin.
I graduated with my associates at Kaskaskia College and am working towards my bachelors in Elementary Education at Western Governors University. I have a passion for teaching young minds through play, exploration and hands-on activities.
We will stay busy in the classroom learning new things as well as growing in our faith in Christ. We will be focusing on love, kindness and God's presence in our lives while we prepare the students for Kindergarten.
Rhonda Hall, Kindergarten/1st Grade 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.
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.
Hayley Strotman, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Hayley Strotman, and I’m so excited to be joining the St. Mark’s Lutheran School family as the new 4th/5th grade teacher! I recently accepted this position and feel incredibly honored to step into this role.
I grew up in Coulterville, Illinois and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University. I'm passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom environment where students feel valued, challenged, and excited to learn.
Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with family and friends, reading, and playing with my dog, Leo.
I can’t wait to meet all the wonderful students and families. I’m looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments. Here's to a great school year at St. Mark’s!