LM summer 2023

Education Elevat g

We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to ele vating the superintendency and public education as a whole. Each month, we will feature two educators who are going the extra mile and truly making a difference beyond their school districts and local communities. While we are aware of many of the contributions administrators are making, we are open to any suggestions for someone to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Dr. Jeff Schuler CUSD #200 in Wheaton Dr. Jean Neal Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD # 4

Who: Dr. Jean Neal, superintendent What: Implemented rigorous summer school and maintained after-school programming; Narrowed achievement gaps with targeted interventions and internal assessments; Expanded social emotional learning; Started equine and dog therapy; Implemented health and wellness activities for students and staff; Expanded FFA programs; Partnered with

Who: Dr. Jeff Schuler, superintendent What: Co-chair of LEND; President of LUDA for FY 2024; Presenter at conferences; Implemented the Living Room concept to bolster social emotional support for students; Helped develop and share crisis communication strategies; Strategic planning; Strategic dashboard; Implemented strategies to boost

teacher morale. Where: CUSD #200 in Wheaton, DuPage Region When: Superintendent of CUSD #200 since 2014 Why: The impact educators can have on transforming the lives of students was impressed on Dr. Jeff Schuler at an early age. “I grew up in a family of educators and have seen the power of education,” Dr. Schuler said. “What has always driven me is creating opportunities for students. I do what I do because of the students we serve.” As superintendent, Dr. Schuler has created a welcoming and supportive work environment for staff at CUSD #200. Twice per year, the district surveys teachers and staff members to gain a better understanding of how they feel about their job and the support they receive. The district then puts into place strategies and tools to address any

Eastern Illinois University on food bank; Focused on Grow Your Own programming. Where: Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4, Illini Region When: Superintendent at Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD #4 for 11 years Why: Dr. Jean Neal’s background as a social worker helped shape her philosophy as superintendent. “If we want to give students hope for a better future, our first priority is to meet the fundamental needs of students,” Dr. Neal said. “Students will struggle to learn if they have insecurities with food, housing and clothing.” As superintendent, Dr. Neal has expanded programs and initiatives to educate the whole child while providing targeted academic interventions for students in need. Georgetown Ridge Farm CUSD #4 partnered with Eastern Illinois University

12 LM Summer 2023