Kia Banks

John H Vanderpoel Elementary Magnet School

Chicago, Illinois

Fellow

Kia R. Banks began her professional career as a middle school English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. After 14 years, she ended her tenure as a two-time DRIVE Awards Finalist. From there, Kia went on to serve as a literacy specialist for 3 District Networks and over 90 schools. In 2015, she was recognized as the Chicago Public Schools HS Instructional Support Lead of the Year.

Kia is a lifelong educator and believes any school that she serves should be a school where she would send her own child, and now she is proud to say she does. Now, in her sixth year as principal of Vanderpoel Humanities Academy (VHA). At VHA, “Where Excellence is the Standard,” her vision for the school organization is to value all voices, focus on the betterment of humanity and achieve academic success for all. Here she continues to be successful at meeting the diverse and complex needs of every stakeholder — students, teachers, staff, families, and community.

Kia believes that the success of any school is a result of continuous collaboration and strong partnerships. Her philosophy of educational leadership is rooted in the belief that, “As public school leaders, we are responsible for advocating for equity and achievement for ALL students. We are the protectors of the communities, the cultures and the traditions that make every school unique.”

Dr. Nyree C. Tucker

Assistant Principal, Vanderpoel Humanities Academy

Chicago, Illinois

ALLY

Dr. Nyree C. Tucker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master’s in Arts in Community Counseling, a Master’s of Education with Elementary Teaching Certification, a Master’s of Education in Leadership and Administration, and a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision.

Dr. Tucker began her professional career in education as a classroom teacher at Alfred D. Kohn Elementary School on the Southside of Chicago and then went on to be a Professional School Counselor and Special Education Case Manager at Spencer Technology Academy. She is currently the Assistant Principal at Vanderpoel Humanities Academy (VHA), where we endeavor to Be the Standard of Excellence.

At VHA, Dr. Tucker’s responsibilities include providing administrative oversight of and professional development on incorporating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into the curriculum, MTSS protocols and interventions, positive school climate & culture, and restorative discipline practices. She has recently resumed her role as a Special Education Case Manager and is very excited to return to the work of facilitating the comprehensive development of students with disabilities whilst providing support and resources to their parents.

Recently, Dr. Tucker wrote the curriculum for the Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBSI) endorsement for the City Colleges of Chicago - Truman Campus. She is looking forward to a continued association with Truman College, as there are mutual plans to extend her work as an educator to the Higher Education arena.

Dr. Tucker proudly proclaims her relationship with and allegiance to Chicago Public Schools.