Ms. Behan's Bio

Welcome to a wonderful year of growth, discovery, and learning! My name is Ms. Behan, and I am thrilled to begin my first year at Decatur Classical School. I look forward to partnering with Mrs. Placido to ensure the high academic standards of Decatur are addressed through intentional curriculum planning and structures for learning.

To share a bit about my background: I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). I completed my student teaching in Thailand, learning firsthand how to connect across cultures and language barriers to support the whole child. Before calling Chicago home, I spent an enriching gap year gaining diverse educational experiences—from working in the Disney College Program and teaching outdoor education to coaching ski students in Utah.

Having struggled in school as a young child, I know that every student processes information differently. Because of this, I am deeply committed to tailoring my instruction to fit each unique learner. In my classroom, mistakes are celebrated as stepping stones to growth, and structured academics are paired with emotional support so every child feels capable and inspired.

Strong home-school communication is essential to a successful year. Please never hesitate to reach out with any questions, insights, or updates about your child. I am so proud to join the Decatur family!

Some fun facts about me

• While I am not in the classroom, I love spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family and friends. 

• I am a huge musical theater fan and will happily sing songs with you anytime!