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Cheryl O'Leary
Cheryl O’Leary is principal of Thomas Edison Primary School, a Title I school located in Kankakee, Illinois. Cheryl implemented professional learning community concepts and results-driven professional development that brought about substantial, schoolwide change.
Cheryl O'Leary
Cheryl O’Leary is principal of Thomas Edison Primary School, a Title I school located in Kankakee, Illinois. Cheryl implemented professional learning community concepts and results-driven professional development that brought about substantial, schoolwide change. In her dynamic presentations, Cheryl reveals how she successfully closed a 65 percent achievement gap, decreased discipline referrals, increased student attendance, improved the school’s performance on state assessments, and strengthened community involvement.
Cheryl created an improved atmosphere for learning and teaching at Thomas Edison, maximizing school scheduling for collaboration among staff and students. Her staff participated in professional development that focused on vertically aligning curriculum and using positive behavior initiatives such as morning meetings to improve school climate. Cheryl has received recognition repeatedly for improving student achievement and collaborating with parents and the community.
With nine years of experience as a teacher and 18 years as an administrator, Cheryl has made a difference both in the classroom and at the supervisory level in Illinois schools. In 1993, she was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year at Woodland Elementary in Hazelcrest, Illinois.
A dedicated professional educator, Cheryl knows how to achieve results using PLC concepts. She now shares the expertise she has gained in student data management, staff collaboration, and positive behavior interventions in engaging, inspiring presentations.
Cheryl holds a master of education administration from Governors State University and a bachelor of science in education from Northern Illinois University.
Priority Schools in a PLC at Work®
Hand-selected and trained by PLC at Work champions our Priority Schools in a PLC at Work experts have proven success in leading the PLC at Work process and have specific experience with the unique challenges that face schools labeled as low performing. Work with them to identify and prioritize critical areas of growth to implement changes in a timely manner with a focus on student achievement.
PLC at Work®
PLC at Work® experts have proven success in leading the PLC at Work process in a school or district. Work with them to implement a focus on learning, build a collaborative culture, and create a results orientation that leads to sustained, substantive school improvement.
Presentations by Cheryl O'Leary
- Designing Data Walls
- Creating the Collaborative Culture
- Looking at Data to Drive Instruction
- Designing the Day to Focus on Learning
“The workshop made me remember why I became a teacher—to make positive differences in students' lives.”
“Cheryl was great!”
