Fine Arts Staff

Rhonda Popko

rpopko@scienceandartsacademy.org

Mrs. Popko has been teaching at SAA for 13 of her 28 years of experience.  She is the Art Teacher, Fine Arts Department Head, and Student Council Sponsor.  Mrs. Popko has credentials from that Art Institute of Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University, and the Illinois Gifted Institute.  Prior to coming to SAA, she owned a catering business and an art gallery (Popko Studio Gallery).  She is the recipient of the Studs Terkel Humanities Award (1995), is Past-President for the Des Plaines Arts Guild, and has a permanent collection at the Des Plaines Public Library.  She enjoys cooking, gardening, painting, reading, and laughing.  Her favorite quote is: “Live each day as if it is your last.”

Rachael Maag

rmaag@scienceandartsacademy.org

Mrs. Maag has been with SAA for her 2 years of teaching; this year as General Music Teacher and Band Director.  She has a BA in Education from Trinity Christian College and an AA in Music Education from College of DuPage.  Mrs. Maag possesses an Illinois Teaching Certificate for grades k-9.  Outside of SAA she serves as Church Music Coordinator for Children.  Mrs. Maag enjoys scrapbooking, card making, reading, and cooking.  Her favorite quote is: “If you don’t like something, change it.  If you can’t change it, change your attitude.  Don’t complain.” (Maya Angelou)

Robert Allen

ballen@scienceandartsacademy.org

Mr. Allen has 43 years of teaching experience and is in his 8^th year at SAA.  He is the Director of the choruses, Music Department Coordinator, and part of the Behavior Management Team.  Mr. Allen has a BA in Music Education from Northwestern University, an MA in Education from National-Louis University, and 40+ additional graduate hours.  He has Illinois State Teaching Certification and Chicago Public School Vocal (grades 7-12).  Aside from teaching in the CPS High Schools, he was the Coordinator and Lecturer for the Traveling Zoo with the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Mr. Allen is a professional musician, band leader, and choral director.  He was nominated for a Golden Apple Award three separate years, winner of the Kate Maremont (CPS) Award and has commendations from Toys for Tots, Lions Clubs, and American Cancer Society.  In his spare time, Mr. Allen collects coins, movies, and books and enjoys spending time with his pets – 3 dogs and 3 cats!

Steven Bayer

sbayer@scienceandartsacademy.org

Mr. Bayer has been teaching Drama at SAA for 2 years.  Besides in the teaching in the classroom, he is the Director for the plays/musicals, and serves on the behavior management team.  Mr. Bayer has a BS in Theater (Acting) and an MA in Theater History from Illinois State University.  He serves on the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission and is a playwright, author, actor, and singer.  Mr. Bayer’s favorite quote is: “The fool doth think he is wise, the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”