The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education has selected Collinsville High School special education teacher Samantha Take to become the district’s next special education supervisor beginning July 1, 2026.

In her new role, Take will work closely with Special Education Director Alison Underwood, district principals, families and special education staff.  She will also serve as principal of Hollywood Heights School. 

The position will be vacant at the end of the 2025-26 school year due to current special education supervisor, Tara Glynn, becoming CUSD 10’s director of student services in 2026-27.

“Ms. Take brings excellent experience and a wealth of knowledge to the special education administrative team with her background in crisis prevention intervention, and the social-emotional needs of students,” said Special Education Director Alison Underwood. “I’ve enjoyed working with her as a teacher in my department and look forward to leading with her in her new role.”  

Samantha Take grew up in the Collinsville school district.  She attended Maryville Elementary School, was in the last class to attend North Junior High for 7th grade and the first class to attend Collinsville Middle School for 8th grade. She is a 2009 CHS graduate. 

She has a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  

She began her career in Alton, Illinois, at Mark Twain, a K-12 therapeutic day school, where she taught middle and high school students, worked as the Dean of Students, and a regulation coach. For the last two years, she has been a  special education teacher at Collinsville High School. 

Take says her goal as an educator is to support both academic and personal advancement through a focus on learning, accountability and support for continuous growth.

“I believe that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow for both students and staff. It's important for everyone to strive to become the best version of themselves,” said Take. “I believe every student can learn and deserves access to a high-quality education.”

She values building strong relationships with students, staff and families, which she says are critical factors in students feeling supported while being held to high expectations. 

Outside of school, Take enjoys spending time with her family.  She says, “I am the mom of two wonderful sons, Reed, who is 9, and Tanner, who is 4.  They are both Kahoks also.  We enjoy spending time outside.  You can usually find us near a pool.

“We have a Yorkie-poodle mix puppy named Cooper, who looks like a schnauzer. Our goal is to train him as a therapy dog.”

She is looking forward to her next chapter as a Kahok.  She says, “There is no better community to grow up in.  It is a privilege to continue to work with so many incredible Kahoks!”