Suzana Ustabecir spent six years as a math and science teacher and seven years as a principal before taking on her current position with Chicago Public Schools as an instructional effectiveness specialist. As an education professional, Suzana Ustabecir engages with a number of organizations, including New Leaders for New Schools.
New Leaders for New Schools was founded in 2001 with just 14 individuals enrolled in the inaugural Aspiring Principals program. Over the last 17 years, the organization has trained more than 3,000 educational leaders responsible for nearly 500,000 students in over 30 cities throughout the United States. Every year, New Leaders, working with national board member Linnea Roberts, recognizes exceptional and groundbreaking solutions to critical school challenges with the Roberts Award for School Innovation.
The award, which comes with a $25,000 prize to be used for student enrichment projects, takes into account virtually all aspects of a learning environment, from school culture to college preparedness. In order to be eligible for the Roberts Award for School Innovation, a school’s principal or leader must have completed the Aspiring Principals program and have demonstrated a strong commitment to the organization and its goals. Ten awards are distributed every year to enrichment projects with the potential to effect as many students as possible. More information about the program can be found online at www.newleaders.org.
