As the year winds down, our work continues to prepare for successful years ahead.
I'm happy to share with you news of an appointment effective in the upcoming 2018–2019 school year.
With the enthusiastic and unanimous approval of the District 96 Board of Education at their May 15 meeting, Mrs. Michelle Garlick accepted the position of Woodlawn Middle School Assistant Principal. She’ll assume her new responsibilities on August 1.
Mrs. Garlick has served District 96 students since 2008, when she began teaching science at Twin Groves Middle School. Five years later, she accepted the role of middle school science instructional coach. Her responsibility has been to lead and support middle school science teachers district wide in creating and implementing STEM curriculum. She also facilitates teacher teams’ work to plan differentiated instruction based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and science literacy learning targets.
Her passion to give students hands-on learning opportunities encompassing science, technology, engineering, and math led to her involvement with the non-profit National Energy Education Development Project (NEED). As a member of the NEED Teacher Advisory Board, she has facilitated student workshops, assisted with teacher conferences, and created curriculum. Fourteen years later, she remains involved in this work connected to science education at a national level.
Her commitment to students’ learning and supporting teachers also is reflected in her work as an active participant on the Illinois State Board of Education Science Standards Adoption Committee, giving Mrs. Garlick extensive knowledge and understanding of the format and recommended implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards.
As her recognition in 2012 with the distinguished Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Award of Excellence for Early Educators confirms, Mrs. Garlick is highly regarded by her colleagues and District administrators. She strongly values lifelong learning and holds high expectations for herself and others, while demonstrating compassion and respect.
She is well equipped to serve as assistant principal at Woodlawn, succeeding Megan Bird, who will begin her responsibilities as principal of Country Meadows Elementary School in August.