USF ADJUNCT STAFF

My name is Mike Franzese and I will be your instructor for this course. I have been teaching Driver Education for 20 years. I am currently teaching at Downers Grove North High School where I have been since 2008 and I began my career teaching at Plainfield South High School.

I graduated from Millikin University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education with endorsements in both Driver Education and Health Education. As you can see I was fortunate to attend a school that offered the Driver Education endorsement and I am thankful that I took advantage of that opportunity! I have three Master’s degrees, the first one I received from Governors State University in Educational Leadership and the second and third are from the American College of Education in both Educational Technology with an Emphasis in Digital Learning and Teaching as well as a degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

I live in Lemont, Illinois where I have been happily married to my wife Jennifer (more to come from her) since 2006 and we have 3 children- Annabelle (9th), Max (7th grade), and Cooper (5th grade). Our dog Otis rounds out our busy household! I grew up on the Southside of Chicago where I attended St. Rita High School for one year and then moved to Orland Park where I attended Carl Sandburg High School. I really enjoy everything about teaching in the field of Driver Education and I am confident that you will too. I am looking forward to assisting you in any way possible as you begin this journey!

I would like to again formally welcome and introduce Jennifer Franzese as she is the co-writer of this course and is an expert in the field of Special Education. While I am the instructor of the course, Jennifer will be assisting and able to provide support and guidance to all questions and concerns specific to teaching students with disabilities as needed throughout the 8 weeks.

Jennifer has also been in the field of education for over 20 years. She has taught elementary education and special education and has worked in higher education as an adjunct instructor for the last 10 years. Currently she serves as the Outplacement Coordinator for the transition center in Downers Grove High School District 99. Her degrees include a Bachelors in History and Elementary Education and two Masters in Special Education and Educational Leadership. She is in the dissertation phase of her doctorate having finished all of her classwork and now completing research.