New principal, associate principal for Buffalo Grove High School
Two veteran educators will take over as principal and assistant principal at Buffalo Grove High School.
Jeff Wardle, currently the math and science division head at John Hersey High School, will be the new BGHS principal, taking over for the retiring Carol Burlinski, who leaves in June after six years.
Jill Maraldo, director for innovative learning at Deerfield District 109, has been appointed Associate Principal for Instruction at BGHS. She will replace Sue Carley, who is returning to the classroom.
Wardle joined District 214 in 2005 as a Buffalo Grove High School math teacher. He was appointed division head at Hersey in 2008.
“I’m thrilled to return to Buffalo Grove,” Wardle said.
He began his career as a teacher and department chair at schools in Venezuela and Mexico. He taught math and Spanish at Palatine High School before joining District 214.
Wardle has overseen the implementation of an iPad pilot program in physics, biology and chemistry; instituted a variety of forums on math and science topics to help students make connections with other subject areas; led district-wide training on technology designed to enhance student achievement and piloted methods to reach at-risk and minority students.
While at Hersey, student growth in math and science achievement reached an all-time high.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Jill and the staff to honor the tradition that’s already established,” Wardle said, “while also looking for new ways to engage our students in critical thinking, excite them about learning and forge pathways that prepare them for future success in college and careers.”
Wardle has a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Aurora University and a second master’s degree in educational leadership from National-Louis University.
“We’re confident that Jeff and Jill’s shared philosophies, vision and approach will support the great work already happening at Buffalo Grove and take the school to even higher levels,” Superintendent David Schuler said.
Maraldo launched her career in 1997 as an English teacher and administrative intern in New York before moving to the Chicago suburbs, where she worked as an English teacher at Glenbrook North High School and in roles with Pearson Education in Glenview and the Career Education Corporation in Hoffman Estates before joining District 109 in 2009.
She has developed online courses and classes using blogs, web-based learning and instructional technology; implemented 21st century skills curriculum and assessments; led iPad initiatives; and is the founder and moderator of #ILEdchat, a weekly Twitter chat for educators.
“As a Buffalo Grove resident, I’m eager to bring my passion for innovative teaching and learning to a school in my community,” Maraldo said.
She is completing a doctorate in educational administration and supervision at Loyola University and holds a master’s degree in secondary education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York.