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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is marking National Principals Month in October by organizing a series of events to honor the contributions of more than 600 principals across the district.
According to CPS, principals are essential to school operations. They support students and staff, organize initiatives, and work with families and communities to ensure schools deliver quality instruction and promote student growth.
“Our principals ensure our children are walking into a school where they can focus on their education,” said Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “As school leaders they work with staff and community leaders toward ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and in life.”
The Department of Principal Quality (DPQ), in partnership with The Chicago Public Education Fund and the Chicago Principals & Administrators Association (CPAA), is leading events throughout October. Among these is the Annual Storytelling Evening at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, part of The Chicago Public Education Fund’s Principal Appreciation Campaign. This event will feature nominated principals sharing their personal stories about leadership challenges and successes.
Dr. Heather Y. Anichini, CEO of The Chicago Public Education Fund, said, "Chicago's principals lead our schools with courage, creativity, and care, and we have been proud to uplift them with our Principal Appreciation Campaign every October for the last ten years."
Four principals were selected to speak at this year’s Storytelling Evening:
- W. Terrell Burgess from George Westinghouse College Prep is a CPS graduate with over 15 years’ teaching experience. He emphasizes student achievement, equity, and empowering educators.
- Hamed Flores of Francisco I. Madero Middle School has led his school to top ratings on the 5Essentials Survey for three years in areas such as innovation and family engagement. Born in Mexico, he focuses on equity, bilingual education, social justice, and mentoring.
- William E. Hook from Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences has worked in CPS for more than 36 years. His leadership at CHSAS includes expanding STEM programs and building partnerships with universities and industry.
- Takeshi M. James from Avalon Park Fine & Performing Arts Personalized Learning Magnet Cluster brings 27 years’ experience as an educator and author. She led her school to secure a federal grant in 2025 for instructional improvements.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire staff, students, and families,” said Principal Flores. “The Principal Storytelling event is a powerful platform to share the real challenges and joys of school leadership and to build greater understanding and appreciation across Chicago.”
Principal James added: “The work of a principal is hard and deeply rewarding, but can also feel isolating at times, so this recognition affirms the good work happening in our schools. I am sharing my story with the hope of inspiring and supporting others who may have faced similar experiences. To me, this opportunity is more than an honor. It makes me feel heard and valued.”
In addition to these events, six other principals will be featured on CTA buses and trains as part of a tribute by The Chicago Public Education Fund:
- Katina Stovall Brown (Jesse Owens Community Academy)
- Benetrice Whitfield Lucas (McNair Elementary School)
- Sylvia Orozco Garcia (Calmeca Academy of Fine Arts)
- Regina Roberts (William T. Sherman School)
- Michael Pacourek (James Shields Elementary School)
- Jimmy Lugo (Harriet Beecher Stowe Dual Language School)
“I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of my staff, which made this recognition possible,” said Principal Stovall Brown. “It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized in this way, and I'm excited to see if I can spot the bus or train featuring Jesse Owens Community Academy on it.”
CPS encourages those interested in learning more about its principals to read profiles in its School Leader Magazine.
