See how your child can grow at Spark
A short welcome from Dr. Michelle Peterson.
Explore the interview seriesFounder & 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.
Ed.D. · Illinois State University
20 Years in Education
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
- Doctoral Research
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)Illinois State University · Peer engagement & inclusive play in preschool
- Experience
- 20 Years in EducationClassroom teacher, elementary administrator & Superintendent Certificate
- Spark Academy
- Opened July 10, 2023320+ families served · Small homelike classrooms in Morton, IL
Why Spark Was Built
She built the school she was looking for.
After teaching in Texas and Peoria and serving as a school administrator in Morton, Dr. Michelle 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.
- Educator & Mother Shaped by 20 years in schools and her own family's search for a warm, personal preschool.
- Homelike Classrooms Small class sizes and a 5:1 ratio where every child is known by name.
- Welcoming to Families Open classroom doors, unhurried conversations at pickup, and room for every child to belong.
Central Illinois Leadership
The only preschool in Central Illinois founded and led by a doctoral researcher in early childhood education — Dr. Michelle Peterson, Ed.D.
Doctoral Research & Purposeful Play
Research 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.
- Peer Engagement Play invitations designed so children naturally connect, collaborate, and build friendships.
- 5:1 Ratio Teachers have the time to observe, adapt, and guide learning around each child's goals.
- Inclusive Support Outside speech, OT, and developmental providers are warmly welcomed into the classroom.
Naturalistic Developmental Interventions
Designed by Dr. Michelle Peterson: the Purposeful Play Framework brings peer-engagement research into warm everyday classroom moments.
Academic & Leadership Credentials
A career devoted to education.
Twenty years across teaching, school leadership, research, and building a learning community. Explore her education and professional experience.
Doctorate
Ed.D. · ISU (2025)
Master of Science
Bradley Univ. (2012)
Bachelor of Science
UT Austin (2005)
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. Michelle 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.
Meet the Spark Team
Warm, welcoming, and known by name.
Get to know the educators your child will spend their mornings with. Alongside Dr. Michelle Peterson, our team brings patience, curiosity, and personal 5:1 attention to every classroom.
Meet the Spark Team
Dr. Michelle Peterson
Role & Research
Founder & Early Childhood Ed.D.
Experience
20 Years in Education
Classroom Heart
Purposeful Play Framework Author
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Erica
Classroom & Role
Preschool 3's & 4's Lead Teacher
Favorite Preschool Snack
Flavor Blasted Goldfish
Most Likely To…
Be just as excited about the sensory bin as the kids.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Kyleigh
Classroom & Role
Kindergarten, K-Prep & STEM Lead Teacher
Favorite Preschool Snack
Cheez-Its
Most Likely To…
Make an ordinary Tuesday feel like an adventure.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Ashley
Classroom & Role
M/W/F 3's Preschool
Favorite Preschool Snack
Fruit Snacks
Most Likely To…
Keep a tiny drawing like it's a priceless masterpiece.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Kandis
Classroom & Role
T/Th 3's Preschool
Favorite Preschool Snack
Cheez-Its
Most Likely To…
Celebrate a zipped coat like an Olympic medal.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Anna
Classroom & Role
M/W/F 4's Preschool
Favorite Preschool Snack
Fruit Snacks
Most Likely To…
Be asked to read “one more book.”
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Brittany
Classroom & Role
T/Th 4's Preschool
Favorite Preschool Snack
Pirate's Booty
Most Likely To…
Make room for one more friend at the playdough table.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Vanessa
Classroom & Role
Kindergarten Prep
Favorite Preschool Snack
Cheez-Its
Most Likely To…
Know exactly where the missing dinosaur is.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Avery
Classroom & Role
Kindergarten
Favorite Preschool Snack
Pretzels
Most Likely To…
Turn a paper plate into practically anything.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Angel
Classroom & Role
1:1 Aide & Music Teacher
Favorite Preschool Snack
Pirate's Booty
Most Likely To…
Have a song for absolutely everything.
Meet the Spark Team
Ms. Kierra
Classroom & Role
1:1 Aide · Kindergarten & K-Prep
Favorite Preschool Snack
Mott's Fruit Snacks
Most Likely To…
Give every storybook character a different voice.
Swipe to meet everyone
For Educators & Organizations
Thoughtful practice, beyond Spark.
Dr. Michelle Peterson helps educators and organizations build stronger early-learning programs: inclusive classroom strategies, developmental playroom design, staff training, program evaluation, and more.
For Families Everywhere
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.
Common Questions
Questions about leadership & learning.
How Dr. Michelle Peterson's doctoral research shapes daily classroom life at Spark Academy.
What makes Spark Academy the only doctoral-led preschool in Central Illinois?
Founder and Executive Director Dr. Michelle Peterson holds an Ed.D. in PK–12 Educational Administration and Foundations from Illinois State University, where her dissertation examined peer engagement and autism in preschool settings using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs). She leads Spark on-site in Morton every day.
How does Dr. Michelle Peterson's research show up in my child's morning?
Through the Purposeful Play Framework, classrooms combine Experience Early Learning with individual assessment, a monthly-changing Developmental Playroom, and Daily Enrichment. With a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, teachers intentionally foster peer connection and confidence through play.
Are outside speech, occupational, or developmental providers welcome?
Yes. Spark is an inclusive environment where outside providers are welcomed into the classroom to support individual needs alongside peers.
Have a Question First?
Ask Dr. Michelle Peterson & our team.
Ask about our curriculum, inclusive classroom support, program fit, or consulting services. You don't need to be ready for a tour.
Tap a topic to start your question:
Dr. Michelle Peterson will reply personally by email. She responds on weekdays, usually the same day.
Your information is private. We'll only use it to answer your question. Privacy Policy
Visit Spark Academy
Now picture your child at Spark.
Bring your child, meet the team, and explore the classrooms. We'll talk through the program and schedule that fit your family.
✓ About 30 minutes
✓ Bring your child
✓ No pressure to enroll
Schedule a Tour
Prefer to call? 309-291-3292 We may be in the classroom. Leave a message. We return calls on weekdays, usually the same day.
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Request a tour.
Share your name and a way to reach you. We'll follow up to arrange a time for your family.
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See their day. Talk it through.
Explore the classrooms, meet the team, and talk about the program, schedule, and start date that fit.
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Get ready for their first day.
When you're ready, we'll guide you through enrollment and help your child feel at home.