Jill Donnel, Executive Director

Jill joined the Council in 2023. She oversees Council activities and chairs the CoTE Executive Committee.  In addition, Jill works with state agencies, legislators, and state leaders to advocate on behalf of Illinois teacher preparation.  Before coming to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Jill served for 14 years at Illinois State University as an administrator in the School of Teaching and Learning.

Contact:  jilldonn@illinois.edu

Suzanne Lee, Associate Director

Suzanne supports Council activities involving program proposal and revision and liaises with program staff on completion of required state and federal reports. She also manages systems related to the university’s activities as an ISBE-approved professional development provider.  

Contact:  suzannel@illinois.edu

Robin Craig, Licensure Officer

Robin started with the Council during the Summer of 2020.  She performs licensure audits and reviews student records to ensure all requirements have been met prior to approving entitlements and endorsements.

Contact:  rcraig@illinois.edu

Leslie Ellis, Program Specialist

Leslie joined the Council in Spring 2023.  She coordinates and advises on the University's activities as an ISBE-approved professional development provider.  Leslie also manages systems for EDPR course set up and enrollment.  In addition, she supports Council activities involving program approval and reporting.

Contact:  laellis3@illinois.edu

Vaskia Reid, Technology Information Specialist

Vaskia joined the Council in 1995 as part of the Educational Career Services Office.  After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in 2007, she moved to the IT Division of the Council.   As the Information Technology Specialist, she assists in creating and maintaining the database operations of the Council.

Contact:  vreid@illinois.edu

Leslie Sherman, Senior Data Systems Developer

Leslie joined the Council in the Spring of 2022.  She supports the Council's data analytics and reporting needs while designing, developing, and maintaining its data systems and portal applications.

Contact:  leslies@illinois.edu

Candice Steidinger, Program Assistant

Candice works collaboratively with the CoTE team in supporting students through the licensure program.  She also manages the waiver program.

Contact:  steidin2@illinois.edu