Mrs. Lear grew up in Park Forest and attended both Matteson School District 162 and Rich Central High School.  She graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Elementary School Education, a Minor in Reading, and specialized endorsements in both Language Arts and Social Studies.  Mrs. Lear was also trained in Reading Recovery, an intense and specialized reading program. 

Her teaching career began in Peoria, Illinois with Kindergarten and a combined 1st/2nd grade classroom.  She has now taught Kindergarten and 1st grade for 31 years.  Mrs. Lear has been a member of the Arcadia School staff for 20 years. She truly enjoys teaching Kindergarten and working with the many wonderful families and staff members at Arcadia School.  

Mrs. Lear's parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins have all been teachers as well! 

Mrs. Lear is married with 2 grown sons and 2 dogs. She loves nature, travel, reading, and spending time with her family.