A conversation with the Administrator and Teacher of the Year!
Michael Karner — Michael currently serves as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Lake County, IL which oversees 45 public schools, 27 private schools, 3 special education cooperatives, and 2 charter school districts. Dr. Karner also serves on the ISBE Equity and Committee and PRP Panel. As Regional Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karner has offered new supports for districts in the areas of alternative to suspension, mental health, professional development, truancy, and the Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy. Dr. Karner previously served as the Principal for the Lake County Regional Safe School Program. Prior to that, Dr. Karner was an Assistant Principal in Zion District 6 and a Mathematics, Spanish and ELL teacher at Zion Benton District 126. Michael received his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University, Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Masters in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and his Bachelor’s Degree from Lake Forest College.
Kari Gedville — Mrs. Kari Gedville became the proud assistant principal of Millburn Elementary School starting in 2019. She has been in education for the past 24 years. Prior to joining the Millburn team she was an assistant principal for 4 years at Wauconda School District and a teacher with Lake Villa School District for 15 years.
Mrs. Gedville holds a B.A. in elementary education from the University of Iowa along with a LBS 1 endorsement. Her M.A. is in school leadership from Aurora University.
Jacob Wollner — Wollner is the STEM teacher at WJ Murphy Elementary in Round Lake, Illinois. With 18 years of experience in education and the past six years dedicated specifically to STEM teaching, Jacob has truly found his passion in this field. He holds an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and a master’s in education with a focus on STEM education from the American College of Education. Additionally, Jacob has earned his National Certificate for STEM Teaching through The National Institute for STEM Education.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jacob is a devoted father to two elementary-aged children and husband to a fellow educator. His personal and professional experiences fuel his passion for innovative and effective STEM education.