Ms. Theresa Connolly

This is Ms. Connolly's 19th year of teaching at Matteson Elementary. She earned her Teaching Degree at Governor's State University. Her major is in Elementary Education with a minor in Biology. She shares her passion for Science and Biology with her students during the summer through the district's Summer Enrichment program. Ms. Connolly's hobbies include nature and architectural black and white photography, travel, exploring in her Jeep, camping in National State Parks, visiting historical sites, gardening, and the arts. She enjoys searching for and collecting vintage children's books as well as rehabbing/repurposing old furniture. She is currently writing/illustrating a series of children's books featuring her late dog Buddy and his adventures. Since her two children are grown and enjoying careers of their own, she spends her additional free time not only with her three dogs (Wild Willow, Dylan, and Lady Bug), but also with the shelter dogs at the South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights. In addition, Ms. Connolly also teaches classes in Mixed Media Art Journaling to adults who may be experiencing stress and emotional difficulties in their lives, allowing them to express their feelings through a positive, artistic outlet. One of her favorite things to do in the evenings to relax and recharge is to take a drive in her "sunflower yellow" jeep named "Vintage Soul". You might have spotted Ms. Connolly and her Jeep Dog "Wild Willow" while driving across the backroads of Illinois or accidentally through the set of a "Chicago PD" filming in Chicago. You just never know where their journeys will lead them, it seems that every jeep ride with Willow is an adventure! tconnolly@sd162.org