Elmhurst District 205 names three administrators
Three administrators have been appointed to posts in Elmhurst Unit District 205 and will assume their new duties July 1. Here's a look at who's who ...
Fisher principal
Irene Villa, an assistant principal at Gary Elementary in West Chicago, has been named principal at Fisher Elementary School.
Villa received a degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois University and a master's in school leadership as well as bilingual and ESL endorsements from Aurora University. She also has a superintendent's endorsement from Northern Illinois University and will begin work this fall toward an endorsement in special education at Concordia University.
She started her teaching career in Elgin Area School District U-46 as a bilingual associate. After receiving her teaching degree in 2000, and for the next 10 years, she worked as a bilingual reading specialist and as a first-, second-, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher. She also served as a student services coordinator in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 in Naperville and Aurora, as an assistant principal in Aurora District 131, and as a principal in Glenview.
"The best way I can describe myself is as a lifelong learner with extremely high expectations; I believe when children see how much you care about them, they respond in unbelievable ways," she said.
Villa replaces longtime Fischer Principal Jane Bailey, who retires at the end of June.
Curriculum director
Leslie Weber, principal at Jefferson Elementary School, was named the district's director of curriculum.
She began her career as a classroom teacher for 14 years, seven in Carol Stream Elementary District 93 and seven in Plainfield Unit District 202, teaching third-, fourth- and fifth-grade as well as serving as a differentiation specialist. Weber also has been a building administrator for seven years, two as an assistant principal at Wolf's Crossing in Oswego and the past five at Jefferson.
Her educational path began at Northern Illinois University, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She holds a master's in educational leadership through Concordia University and is working on her doctorate in educational administration toward a superintendent's license.
"I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the other directors, administrators and teachers in supporting the students of District 205 in order to be college, career and life ready," she said.
Jefferson principal
Christina Podraza was named principal of Jefferson Elementary School. She moves into her role after serving as interim principal of Emerson Elementary School and as assistant principal for Hawthorne and Lincoln elementary schools.
Before her career in school administration, she was a learning support coach for five years at Mill Street Elementary in Naperville.
Her background includes a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's in elementary education from DePaul University. She received her doctorate in educational leadership and change from Roosevelt University in 2014.
Podraza said she will spend a great deal of her transition year getting to know and learning from the teachers, students and parents.
"Every time I have had the opportunity to interact with Jefferson teachers in the district, they have always impressed me with their innovative ideas and collaborative culture. ... As a leader, I hope to build upon the many successes and traditions of the school as well as create new ones together."