Hawthorn District 73 Names Principal for Hawthorn School for Young Learners
Hawthorn School District 73 has named Dr. Jill Martin as principal of the Hawthorn School for Young Learners, the new kindergarten building currently under construction on Aspen Drive in Vernon Hills. A resident of Buffalo Grove, Dr. Martin is currently principal of Elementary South, which is part of District 73. She will transfer to her new position at the end of the school year.
"Over the years, Dr. Martin has built a tradition of excellence at Elementary South, a tradition that helped designate it as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School," said the District's Superintendent Dr. Pete Hannigan. "She has exhibited high expectations and a commitment to the success of every child. We look forward to her bringing her extensive experience and leadership to our new kindergarten building, which will open in 2020."
Dr. Martin has served as the principal of Elementary South, a kindergarten through fifth-grade school serving 700 students, for the past 15 years. Her focus has been on providing masterful learning activities in which students explore and deeply engage with content in a joyful, exciting manner. She led the school through the year-long process to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. She also played a key role in the founding of the Key to 73, Hawthorn District 73's Education Foundation. Prior to serving at Elementary South, she was an assistant principal at Westmore Elementary School in Villa Park School District 45. She served as an elementary teacher in that district as well.
Dr. Martin received a doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University in 2010. She received a certificate of advanced studies in administration and supervision and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction also from National Louis University. In 2004, she received a "Those Who Excel" award of special recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.
Hawthorn School District #73 is a preschool through eighth-grade public school district serving more than 4,200 students. It serves all or portions of the communities of Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Libertyville, Indian Creek and unincorporated areas of Lake County, Illinois.