VOTE FOR

MARY YEBOAH, PhD

April 2, 2019

PRIORITIES

PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

The district has taken great strides in closing achievement gaps, however more work needs to be done. This work involves ongoing analyses of school and district-wide data to identify systemic challenges and missed opportunities for growth within underperforming student subgroups. Further, the district should strive to hire more teachers of color, conduct equity audits and curriculum reviews, listen closely to diverse families, and support district wide policies that shape school cultures as places of belonging for children of every race, religion, ethnicity, class, gender, and ability.

ADVANCING SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Rapid changes in technology and social media usage have created complex challenges to healthy human connection in schools and societies. Through supporting the district's robust Socio-Emotional Learning framework we have an opportunity to promote human connection, relationships, and connection to the earth, and to educate thoughtful, caring citizens who are motivated to ask important questions and ground their education in meaningful civic engagement. I support developing a CUSD 200 learner profile that includes character traits such as global awareness, critical thinking, curiosity, problem solving, and resilience.

 STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY AND FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS

Strengthening community and family partnerships is a critical component of leading schools that meet the needs of the whole child. When schools and community organizations work together to support learning, everyone benefits. Partnerships can serve to strengthen, support programs quality, and improve student learning outcomes. Developing positive relationships in and out of school can help create a sense of belonging and connectedness for students, families, and residents alike. Further, these partnerships help showcase the quality educational experiences a strong district provides to the community to further motivate community support.

CREATING NEW FLEXIBLE LEARNING MODELS

I support increasing flexible program offerings that accommodate home school, online learning, and increased options for practical based learning in and out of school, and invest in capital improvements that reflect our 21st century vision for learning. Prioritizing flexible learning options helps met the unique needs and develop the unique strengths of all learners. Further, flexible approaches to teaching and learning help increase teacher collaboration and effectiveness. Flexible models, both in and outside of the classroom, are best equipped to develop responsible, resilient, engaged and adaptive learners who are able to think, create, and work collaboratively with others. 

MAINTAINING FISCAL TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY

Fiscal transparency and integrity involves the opportunity to think creatively about what kinds of district spending is most aligned with district goals and priorities and clearly communicating this alignment with the community. Community forums and other venues should also solicit the perspectives of residents, draw from significant wealth of school funding research, and demonstrate integrity that upholds teachers, students, tax payers, and the financial sustainability of the district. Demonstrating fiscal transparent and integrity may build trust among voters and prepare the way for future referendums that a large portion of the community would support.

REPRESENTING UNDER-REPRESENTED CONSTITUENTS

Healthy schools and communities depend on the contribution and perspectives of all of its members. I believe that ensuring all voices are heard requires creatively and intentionally seeking out the representation of under-represented constituents, especially when I and every current board member belong to the majority culture in race and class. All students will benefit when the board leads the district through listening respectively to divergent opinions and valuing diverse voices.

GLOBALIZING A CUSD 200 EDUCATION

Drawing from my training and experience in International Baccalaureate, I support initiatives that seek to educate thoughtful citizens who are prepared to be productive thought leaders and global change agents of the future. Through increased options for diverse, practical learning experiences in and out of school, both locally and abroad, we can continue to increase the cultural responsiveness of our students and teachers necessary for promoting peace and social wellbeing in an increasingly fast-paced, interconnected world.

University of Minnesota

Northern Illinois University

Judson University

EXPERIENCE

My professional experiences and service have shaped my understandings, guided my convictions, and developed my ability to listen and work effectively as a team. 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDENT LIFE, WHEATON COLLEGE

September 2018 - Present

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT COORDINATOR, WHEATON COLLEGE

June 2016 - August 2018

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT, AMERICAN INT'L SCHOOL, GHANA

June 2013 - June 2016

IB ART TEACHER, LINCOLN COMMUNITY SCHOOL, GHANA

July 2012 - June 2013

PRINCIPAL, RIGHT TO DREAM ACADEMY, GHANA

August 2011 - June 2012

DIRECTOR OF ENRICHMENT, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL, GHANA

September 2010 - March 2011

ART TEACHER, LAUREL HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

January 2004 - August 2010

LET’S CONNECT

Wheaton, IL, USA