University News

WIU Graduate Sean Kennedy Named Principal of Sauganash School

January 6, 2025

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Sean Kennedy, a 2010 graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Special Education, has recently been named the Principal of Sauganash School in Chicago, marking a significant milestone in his educational career.

"I declared my major as Special Education when I applied to WIU," Kennedy said. "As a freshman, living in Thompson, it was a short walk over to Horrabin Hall for our education classes. The instructors were great and they helped prepare us for the teaching world. I was lucky enough to be in a cohort with a lot of other WIU students who would become future talented educators, so we were able to learn from one another during our time at WIU."

After graduating in 2010, Kennedy began teaching special education in Chicago Public Schools. His career path led him to teach grades K-2 and grades 3-8. Before becoming the assistant principal in 2017, Kennedy worked as the school's special education teacher and athletic director, roles that allowed him to take on leadership responsibilities and help build the school's capacity.

"Sauganash is an absolute gem on the northwest side of Chicago," Kennedy said. "I've been at Sauganash for 14 years and have seen such great progress and consistency. The staff is fantastic and goes above and beyond daily, which adds to the special nature of the school. Sauganash is a wonderful school community, with families and students who bring the right attitude to create an amazing culture."

As he prepares to step into his new role as principal in January 2025, Kennedy is focused on building on the school's strengths.

"I am looking to build off our great consistency and continue to foster a top-notch learning environment for our students," Kennedy said.

Kennedy credits WIU for playing a huge role in his development as an educator.

"WIU prepared our education majors with the tools and philosophy to be successful," Kennedy said. "I think as a new principal, I will lean on many of those principles that I learned early on in my education journey. Come prepared every day, be the consistent voice in the school building and show the fun and engaging parts of education."

He encourages future educators to embrace flexibility and adaptability.

"In education, every day is different, which is personally why I love my job. We deal a lot with problem-solving and navigating certain situations, so having a mindset that helps take those components head-on is step number one," Kennedy said.

Sauganash School, where Kennedy has spent the past 14 years, plays a vital role in the local community.

"Sauganash School is a neighborhood school and plays a strong role in the community. I plan to fully collaborate with the community and the multiple associations, businesses and stakeholders to continue keeping Sauganash as a guiding light in Chicago," Kennedy said.

Special education will remain a core part of Kennedy's philosophy as principal.

"Special education will be a core part of my philosophy as an educator and I will ensure that our students are put in the best position to learn and thrive as they make their way through their elementary and junior high years," Kennedy said.

Kennedy is excited to lead Sauganash School into its next chapter.

"It's exciting to continue working and leading at a great school. Sauganash has a culture I believe in, so being chosen to lead this great school into its next chapter is an honor. Countless people helped me get to this point, but it all starts and ends with my parents. My mom raised three educators when she wasn't in education herself, which speaks volumes about the morals and values we grew up with," Kennedy said.

For more information on WIU's Special Education program, visit wiu.edu/Education.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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