Hawthorn School District 73 names new principal

VERNON HILLS – The Hawthorn School District 73 Board of Education approved the selection of Nicole Rodrigo as the new principal of the Hawthorn School of Dual Language.

Rodrigo’s appointment March 11 came after a comprehensive search process. She will begin her new role with the district July 1.

Rodrigo is a fifth grade dual language teacher leader at Barrington Community Unit School District 220, where she has taught at both Grove Avenue and Arnett C. Lines Elementary schools. She previously taught fourth and fifth grade dual language classes at Channing Elementary in School District U46.

“Ms. Rodrigo has shown an ability to lead effectively, with student needs as the top priority,” Hawthorn District 73 Superintendent Pete Hannigan said in a news release. “We are very excited about her joining our community and building upon the strengths of our dual language school.”

Rodrigo’s leadership experience includes creating and aligning dual language curriculum maps, mentoring new teachers, planning and supervising after-school enrichment programs and organizing an in-school math lab. Rodrigo brings an excellent reputation as a skilled instructor to her new role, and has provided high quality professional development in dual language learning to educators in the field, the release stated.

A resident of Algonquin, Rodrigo earned a bachelor’s degree in education - bilingual/bicultural education from Western Illinois University, where she minored in Spanish. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.