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Teaching and Learning

photo of dan von handorf
Dan Von Handorf, Assistant Superintendent
(937) 499-1422
dan.vonhandorf@ketteringschools.org


The Kettering City School District's Teaching & Learning Department is responsible for establishing Board of Education-approved courses of study and textbook adoptions for all academic areas, pre-K-12, that are aligned with Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.

Additionally, the Teaching & Learning Department works hand-in-hand with the district’s teaching professionals, providing professional development opportunities, keeping them up-to-date on effective instructional and assessment practices for the classroom as well as administration, interpretation and analysis of the required statewide Ohio Achievement and Graduation Test programs. The CCIP, Title I and other federal programs, textbook and instructional resource purchases, instructional technology and gifted services are also the responsibilities of the Instructional Services Department.

As part of its educational philosophy, the Kettering City Schools shall attempt to provide all students with an environment which encourages wholesome physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual growth, and with an education which will enable them to assume responsibilities in present-day society.

We also feel our educational program should be based on the individuality of the student and the student's needs. We shall endeavor to achieve these goals through a flexible educational program in which students can be active participants. Therefore, we shall always strive to educate students as individuals and provide opportunities that will address their individual needs.

Special Education Services are also provided through the Teaching & Learning Department to students with disabilities as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services include preschool programs for special needs children ages three-five; special class/learning centers; individual/small-group instruction; and co-taught classes with a special education teacher and a general education teacher working together to meet the needs of students.

Gifted Education Services

The state of Ohio defines children who are “gifted” as students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. Ohio law requires school districts to annually identify gifted students in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3324.03. The Kettering City School District identifies students as gifted in the following areas:

  • Superior Cognitive Ability (IQ)
  • Specific Academic Ability in Math, Science, Reading/Writing, and/or Social Studies
  • Creative Thinking Ability

Parents or teachers may refer students for gifted screening by picking up a referral form from any school office. A parent/teacher conference is recommended before filling out a gifted referral. All students will be screened for gifted identification using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the CogAT.

Contact The Team

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Kettering City Schools provides support to ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) students, families, and staff throughout the district.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), states must identify English learners, annually assess their English language proficiency, and provide reasonable accommodations for them on state assessments.

Ohio's public school districts are required to identify and serve students who are English learners following the state’s Guidelines for identifying English Learners using the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS). The Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS) is aligned to the K-12 English Language Proficiency Standards and is designed to identify Ohio students in grades K-12 as English learners.

Contact The Team

Our Team

Lisa Sorensen
Secretary
(937) 499-1422

Valerie Dupler
Coordinator, Elementary Teaching & Learning
(937) 499-1492

Sherri Alexander, Ed.D.
Coordinator, Secondary Teaching & Learning
(937) 499-1457

Carrie Hennessy, Ed.D.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Leader
(937) 499-1490

Lynn Cannarozzi
Elementary Gifted Education Coordinator
(937) 499-1491

Darren McGarvey
Secondary Gifted Education Coordinator
(937) 499-1662

Laurie Koncan
ESOL Coordinator
(937) 499-1520

Jennifer Zale
Elementary Literacy Leader
(937) 499-1476

Brittany Hodge
Elementary Math Leader
(937) 499-1488

Denise Cordonnier
System Analyst/EMIS Coordinator
(937) 499-1404

Nita Teeters
Data Analyst
(937) 499-1483

Laura Tran, LSW
Youth and Family Resource Coordinator
(937) 499-1496

Nicole Will
Workforce Development Navigator 
(937) 499-1639

Jenny Tucker
Secretary
(937) 499-1455