Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Interests
Timeline
STRENGTHS
Hi, I’m

Dr. ANNE ZAHN

School Principal
Chicago,IL
Dr. ANNE  ZAHN

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Educational Leader with over a decade of experience in spearheading innovative educational initiatives and driving institutional growth. Proven track record of enhancing student outcomes through the implementation of cutting-edge instructional practices and personalized learning strategies. Expertise in strategic planning, curriculum development, and community engagement fosters a commitment to creating a positive learning environment where students thrive. Recognized for building collaborative partnerships and implementing impactful change, poised to leverage leadership skills to advance the mission of a forward-thinking educational organization.

Overview

10
years of professional experience
4
Certification

Work History

Waukegan Public School District

School Principal
01.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Led a team of educators to achieve significant improvements in student outcomes through the implementation of innovative teaching strategies and personalized learning initiatives. Developed and executed district-wide plans for curriculum development and educational programs. Managed budget and allocated resources to support student achievement goals. Collaborated with stakeholders to create a positive learning environment.
  • Implemented new instructional practices resulting in a 50% increase in student state test scores. Moving the school's State Summative Designation from Targeted to Commendable
  • Managed a budget of $.5 million to support the implementation of educational resources.
  • Oversaw 513 students and a staff of 60 teachers and paraprofessional.
  • Collaborated with community organizations to establish partnerships that enhanced students' access to extracurricular activities. HACES, CDR, STARs, and Sistema Ravinia
  • Developed and implemented school-wide initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

Education Innovation Research Grant (EIR) - US DOE

Grant Project Director
01.2019 - Current

Job overview

  • Contributed to all aspects of the grant's implementation, from proposal, evaluation, budgeting, and feasibility testing. Provided annual and monthly reports to the U.S. Department of Education. Met all project objectives and deadlines.
  • Developed grant proposal and won a highly competitive and prestigious $3.5 Million STEM and computer science award for K-12 school districts. (Grant #U411C190169).
  • Developed and managed project timelines, ensuring milestones were met within budgetary constraints.

Waukegan Public Schools

Assistant Principal
01.2021 - 01.2022

Job overview

  • Supported the principal in managing school operations and implementing strategic initiatives to improve student achievement. Oversaw teacher evaluations and professional development. Assisted in the development and management of the school budget.
  • Implemented a MTSS and student behavior management system resulting in a significant decrease in disciplinary incidents.
  • Collaborated with staff, parents, and community members to create a positive and inclusive school culture.

West Northfield School District 31

District Coordinator
01.2019 - 01.2020

Job overview

  • Oversaw the district professional development system, coordinated statewide assessments of IAR & ISA, and represented District 31 at monthly township curriculum meetings. Presented subject areas and assessment data to the board of education
  • Coached and modeled instructional practices for teachers and hosted professional development on instructional strategies and practices.
  • Recognized for “Excellent” evaluation rating and promoted to Lead Coordinator.

Waukegan Public Schools

District Coordinator
01.2016 - 01.2019

Job overview

  • Oversaw three curriculum departments, including K-8 Gifted & Accelerated programs, K-8 STEM, and K-8 Science. Directed summer school activities and supervised summer school for over 1500 students at 5 locations.
  • Directly led district-wide curriculum alignment and development teams for K-8 STEM, science and computer science.
  • Introduced a new STEM Encore course to all elementary schools & middle schools and supervised over 300 teachers through this process.

Education

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Ph.D. from Educational Leadership And Management
12-2020

Western Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

CSBO from School Business Administration
12-2021

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

ED.S from Education Administration
12-2013

Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Master of Science from Curriculum And Instruction
01-2002

Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Science from Biological Sciences
01-1994

Skills

Curriculum Development

Data Analysis

Budget Management

Community Partnerships

Instructional leadership

Organizational leadership

Entrepreneurial personality

Accomplishments

  • Awarded 3.5 million EIR grant by US Department of Education for an educational innovation proposal (2019 -2025)
  • Lead district wide curriculum development of K-5 STEM/Science
  • Spearheaded improvement plan implementation which redefined performance goals and achieved state & district benchmarks.
  • Increased overall student academic performance on standardized tests by 50%. Changing the school state designation from Targeted to Commendable.


Certification

  • IL Type 03 Elementary Teaching Certification (K-9)
  • Type 75 Administration Certification
  • Type 187 Superintendent Certification
  • Certified School Business Officer (CSBO)

Interests

Completed first full marathon (2025); passionate about fitness, running, and overall health & wellness.

Avid advocate of an active lifestyle and personal growth through physical challenges.

Volunteering & Community involvement

Reading Historical Biographies & Expository nonfiction:

Timeline

School Principal

Waukegan Public School District
01.2022 - Current

Assistant Principal

Waukegan Public Schools
01.2021 - 01.2022

Grant Project Director

Education Innovation Research Grant (EIR) - US DOE
01.2019 - Current

District Coordinator

West Northfield School District 31
01.2019 - 01.2020

District Coordinator

Waukegan Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2019

Western Illinois University

Ph.D. from Educational Leadership And Management

Western Illinois University

CSBO from School Business Administration

National Louis University

ED.S from Education Administration

Loyola University of Chicago

Master of Science from Curriculum And Instruction

Loyola University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science from Biological Sciences

STRENGTHS

  • Strategic Thinker: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with organizational goals and drive positive change.
  • Collaborative Leader: Skilled in building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and driving consensus towards common objectives.