Downers Grove Grade School District 58 is pleased to announce the appointments of Jose Anaya to the English learner coordinator/Highland assistant principal position and Haley Underwood to the O’Neill assistant principal position. Both candidates joined District 58’s administrative team on July 31, 2017.
In his new role, Anaya will coordinate District 58’s growing Biliteracy Program and English learner services as the District’s English learner coordinator. He will also provide Highland School with additional administrative leadership and support as a part-time assistant principal.
Anaya brings nearly 20 years of teaching and administrative experience to District 58. He has served Chicago Public Schools as a bilingual teacher, Spanish teacher, assistant principal and instructional support leader.
“We are pleased to recommend Mr. Jose Anaya for the position of English learner coordinator and Highland School assistant principal,” said Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli. “The interview team shared that they were impressed by Mr. Anaya’s knowledge and experience as a bilingual educator, his collaborative approach to leadership and learning, and his passion for building a community of learners. We are excited to have Mr. Anaya join our team!”
Anaya earned his master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his bachelor degree from Loyola University, Chicago, in Spanish/literature. Anaya holds a Type 75 certification and a bilingual endorsement.
“I look forward to serving both Highland School families and all District 58 English language learners in my new role,” Anaya said. “District 58 has a strong academic reputation and a vibrant community, and I’m very excited to contribute to it. I can’t wait to meet our students, families and staff later this month!”
Underwood will join O’Neill Middle School as its new assistant principal. In this role, she will work with her building’s principal to lead the school and sustain O’Neill’s culture of high expectations.
Underwood has worked as a physical education teacher for 10 years at Cardenas School in Chicago. She gained administrative experience through a one-year principal internship program, and she served several leadership roles within her school community and throughout Chicago Public Schools. Underwood has earned National Board Certification and recently won the 2017 Illinois Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Award from the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Haley Underwood to the District 58 administrative team,” Dr. Cremascoli said. “Ms. Underwood has served as an educational leader through her involvement as a framework specialist and consulting teacher, and through her facilitation of professional development and parent education programs throughout the Chicago Public School system.”
Underwood earned her master’s degree in administration from Chicago State University’s Principal Education Program. She earned her bachelor degree in education from Alma College.
“I am so honored and excited to join the District 58 team,” Underwood said. “I have already felt a very supportive environment in District 58, along with a commitment to the education of the whole child. I look forward to getting to know students, staff and families at O'Neill.”
In addition to these administrative appointments, District 58 is also pleased to announce one administrative change. Melissa Sawisch will transfer from the O’Neill assistant principal position to the Hillcrest/Pierce Downer assistant principal position. Sawisch served as O’Neill Middle School’s assistant principal for the past two years. Previously, she worked as an instructional facilitator and assistant to the principal in LaGrange District 102. She also is an experienced classroom teacher and summer school principal.
District 58 also previously announced the following new administrative appointments for the 2017-18 school year:
- Christine Clavenna, Pierce Downer principal
- Bridget Moore, Highland School principal
- Lisa Niforatos, Fairmount School principal
- Bonnie Osborne, District special programs coordinator
- Justin Sisul, District assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction
Media inquiries or requests for more information may be directed to Megan Hewitt, community relations coordinator, at 630-719-5805 or mhewitt@dg58.org.