Chicago Public Schools Celebrates National Principals Month and Honors School Leaders

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CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) joins communities nationwide in celebrating National Principals Month this October, honoring the dedicated school leaders who foster welcoming, supportive, and academically engaging learning environments for students in Chicago. The District collaborates with the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA) and the Chicago Public Education Fund to highlight exemplary school leaders throughout the District.

"As a former school leader, I understand the essential role principals play in our system, from supporting their faculty and staff to engaging with families and creating the conditions for every student to succeed," said CPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. "CPS is proud to recognize the leaders who show up every day for students, educators and families and who help move our schools forward."

Throughout National Principals Month, CPS will highlight the leadership, commitment and impact of principals across the District. Principals oversee all operational and academic goals within a school, working alongside educators, students, families and communities to strengthen school culture, support teaching and learning, and ensure students have access to robust academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Dr. Shontell N. Smith has been with CPS for 29 years and has served as the principal of Joseph Warren Elementary School for the past nine years.

"The best part of being a principal is working with a community of educators, students, and parents who share the common goal of educational excellence," said Dr. Smith, a Hyde Park High School alumna. "We strive to ensure that our students remember there are no ceilings in life."

CPS principals lead with a deep understanding of their school communities. They support educators, engage families, respond to students' needs and build partnerships that strengthen the educational experience. Their leadership helps schools turn District priorities into meaningful experiences for students in classrooms and throughout their school communities.

Now in her third year as principal at Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center, Taylor Adams expresses her excitement each day to serve her students and the community.

"I love getting to know our students and watching them grow. I also really enjoy connecting with the adults who contribute to making our school what it is," said Principal Adams. "I want students to look back on their time at Lenart and remember more than the classes they took or the grades they earned. I want them to remember the relationships they built, the moments when they discovered something they were really good at, the times they challenged themselves, and the people who encouraged them when something was difficult."

National Principals Month also provides an opportunity for students, families, educators and community members to recognize principals for their service and leadership. CPS encourages school communities to celebrate their principals throughout October by sharing messages of appreciation and highlighting the ways school leaders make a difference.

Principal Benetrice Whitfield has served at McNair Elementary School since 2017 and believes that building authentic relationships across the entire school and Austin community is so rewarding that she strives tirelessly to ensure her students understand the significance of supporting their community.

"We deliberately carve out time for traditions, assemblies, celebrations, and school-wide events that create lasting core memories and foster pride in our school community," said Principal Whitfield. "I actively seek out student input through advisory councils, feedback surveys, and informal conversations. When students see their ideas implemented, whether in school events, Out-of-School-Time offerings, or campus improvements, they learn that their voices have power in school and beyond our four walls."

On Chicago's Southwest Side, Principal Lillian Lazu began her career in education as a teacher assistant with CPS. She now proudly serves as the principal of Little Village Elementary School.

"I have had the privilege of watching our children grow, find their voices, discover their strengths, and evolve into amazing young adults," said Principal Lillian Lazu. "Witnessing that journey and knowing that I played a small part in it is one of the greatest blessings of being an educator. After 15 years, I still feel incredibly fortunate to walk through our doors each day and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and staff."

CPS remains committed to supporting school leaders and strengthening leadership capacity across the District so that every school can provide students with a high-quality education and a strong sense of belonging.

"Every school has a unique story, and principals play a vital role in shaping that narrative through their leadership, vision, and commitment to their students," said Chief Education Officer Dr. Karime Asaf. "During National Principals Month, we celebrate the dedicated individuals who lead our schools. These extraordinary leaders work tirelessly to ensure that our students thrive in an environment that both welcomes and challenges them."