New principal for Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein

Stephanie Drake has been hired as principal of the K-2 Washington Early Learning Center in Mundelein Elementary District 75 effective July 1.

She began her career in West Chicago Elementary School District 33 as a bilingual kindergarten through sixth grade teacher. Most recently, she was principal at Gary Elementary School, a two-way dual language school in West Chicago.

She focused with students on growing academically, socially and emotionally and to be bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. This year, Drake presented on the topic of High Quality Curriculum Implementation with the American Reading Company at La Cosecha, the largest dual language conference in the United States.

She has a bachelor's degree from Knox College with a double major in elementary education and Spanish, and a master's degree in elementary education administration from Northern Illinois University.