Sycamore Community School District 427 Celebrates Kate Hertz as 2024 John Ourth & Dr. Fred Singleton Professional Development Scholarship Recipient

Kate Hertz, Assistant Principal of Teacher and Learning at Sycamore High School, has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 John Ourth & Dr. Fred Singleton Professional Development Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois Principals Association. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional educational leaders who commit to advancing their skills and knowledge in school administration.

 

Kate Hertz, an alumna of Sycamore High School, embarked on her educational journey as an English teacher in Geneva Community Unit School District 304. Hertz has served in various leadership roles, including European Student Tour Leader, Speech & Forensics Coach, and Instructional Coach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois Wesleyan University and has furthered her education with a master's degree in teaching and educational leadership from Aurora University.

 

Hertz believes that excellent educational leaders form connections with their coworkers by asking engaging, earnest questions about professional endeavors and personal interests. “My definition of an effective instructional leader is someone who can form strong connections with other people,” said Hertz. She noted that her growth mindset means being someone who always strives to reflect, learn, apply, and repeat that process throughout life.

 

“The Educational Leadership program whet my growing desire for leadership in new ways that I could never dream for myself. Out of that experience, I began to get excited about trying out new technology-driven instructional strategies to personalize learning for students in my classroom,” stated Hertz. “As a result of that passion to reach students, I was invited to participate in an Instructional Coaching program, which broadened my perspective on whole-school thinking. Over 24 years in education, I am continually seeking new challenges and growing as an educator, but even more importantly as a person.”

 

The John Ourth & Dr. Fred Singleton Professional Development Scholarship, established in honor of former Field Directors for the Illinois Principals Association, aims to recognize outstanding education leaders. Kate Hertz will be celebrated alongside other recipients at a special ceremony during the IPA Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2024.

 

Sycamore Community School District 427 congratulates Kate Hertz on this well-deserved achievement and looks forward to her continued contributions to educational excellence.