Founder & Executive Director · Spark Academy
Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.
Educator, researcher, school leader, and mother. She built Spark to bring the science of early learning into a warm, personal school experience.
She built the school she was looking for.
After teaching in Texas and Peoria and serving as a school administrator in Morton, Dr. Peterson experienced preschool as a parent, too. She wanted a place where research, thoughtful teaching, and a sense of belonging came together.
Spark opened on July 10, 2023. With her team, she created small, homelike classrooms where families are welcome and each child has room to grow.
Get to know the school she builtResearch that lives in the classroom.
Her doctoral research at Illinois State University explored peer engagement among preschool children with autism. At Spark, that work informs an inclusive environment where play creates opportunities to connect.
The Purposeful Play Framework pairs Experience Early Learning with individual assessment, a changing Developmental Playroom, and Daily Enrichment. A 5:1 ratio gives teachers time to know each child. Outside providers are welcomed to support individual needs.
Explore the Purposeful Play Framework
A career devoted to education.
Twenty years across teaching, school leadership, research, and building a learning community. Explore her education and professional experience.
Education
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Illinois State University, Normal, IL — PK–12 Educational Administration and Foundations. Dissertation research focused on peer engagement and autism in preschool settings using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs). Completed Fall 2025.
- Master of Science
- Bradley University, Peoria, IL — Educational Administration. 2012.
- Bachelor of Science
- The University of Texas at Austin — Applied Learning and Development. 2005.
Certifications
- Superintendent Certificate
- Qualifies Dr. Peterson to lead an entire school district. Signals executive-level educational leadership capability.
- Chief School Business Officer (CSBO)
- Certifies expertise in financial and operational management of school systems. Directly relevant to program design and startup consulting.
- Type 75 Administrative Certificate
- Standard Illinois administrative certification for school principals and assistant principals.
- Texas Teaching Certificate
- Early Childhood through Fourth Grade. Foundation credential from the start of her career.
Career timeline
- 2022–Present
- Founder & Executive Director, Spark Academy, Morton, IL
Established and operates a play-based, inclusive preschool serving 320+ families. Full operational responsibility: curriculum development, staffing, licensing compliance, facilities, community partnerships, and the design of the Purposeful Play Framework. - 2015–2023
- Assistant Principal, Lincoln Elementary, Morton CUSD 709
Led school-wide instructional initiatives, teacher coaching, PBIS implementation (founding co-chair), curriculum alignment, crisis response, and special education program oversight. 8 years of building-level administrative leadership. - 2013–2015
- Assistant Principal (ISU S.A.M. Program), Unit 5, Bloomington, IL
Supported instructional leadership, teacher evaluation, and student behavior systems across two elementary buildings. - 2008–2013
- Teacher (4th–5th Grade) & Interim Director of Summer Programs, Peoria Academy
Classroom teacher, curriculum writer, accreditation team member, hiring committee. Broad range of institutional leadership roles. - 2005–2007
- Kindergarten & 2nd Grade Teacher, Temple ISD, Texas
Career foundation in early childhood and elementary classroom instruction.
For educators & organizations
Thoughtful practice, beyond Spark.
Dr. Peterson helps educators and organizations build stronger early-learning programs: inclusive classroom strategies, developmental playroom design, staff training, program evaluation, and more.
Explore consulting servicesA warm welcome starts here.
Meet the team, see the classrooms, and talk about your child. Or send us a question about Spark or Dr. Peterson's work.
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Prefer to call? 309-291-3292We may be in the classroom. Leave a message and we'll call you back the same day.
Bring a little of that thinking home.
Dr. Michelle Peterson’s Spark Education resources offer play ideas, thoughtful preschool guidance, and practical printables for families everywhere.