214@100: Vanguard leader focuses on post-high school success

Kate Kraft was an associate principal for operations at both Elk Grove and Wheeling high schools before her 2013 appointment as the director of Vanguard.

Since her arrival at Vanguard, a school instituted nearly 20 years ago to provide hands-on, real-life experiences and a community service connection, the school has become increasingly focused on preparing students for careers after high school.

Vanguard educators are developing individual learning plans to encourage students to both work hard in high school and be mindful of working toward a goal that lies beyond graduation.

This fall, the school will have established six career pathways for students that guide them into college and careers, with a goal of three more the following year.

"Our goal at Vanguard is to meet students where they're at intellectually, socially and emotionally and put a renewed focus on success in high school and beyond," Kraft said. "I couldn't be prouder of the dedication of the staff and students."

Before joining District 214 in 2009, Kraft was an English teacher and coach at Park Junior High in LaGrange, an associate principal for student services at Grayslake North High School and a student activity director and English teacher at Deerfield High School.

She has a master's degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.