AUSL blog
Featured blog posts
Chicago’s Need for Special Education Teachers
If you’re considering a career as a teacher, you might find the most rewarding opportunities in special education. Over the past decade, Chicago and the nation have experienced a severe shortage of special education teachers. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. In 2019–20, […]
A Return to School Perspective from the Academy for Urban School Leadership
As Chicago Public Schools students head back to the classroom this month for their first full-time, in-person learning experience in 17 months, many will be grappling with significant learning and social emotional loss. After schools transitioned to remote learning in March 2020 and only partially reopened in spring 2021, an alarming number of students were […]
Twenty years of Transforming Lives in and out of the Classroom
AUSL is an equity-focused non-profit that works tirelessly with the belief that all students should have access to an excellent education. Since 2001, AUSL’s conviction for equity in education has impacted thousands of students and families who reside in under-resourced communities. This weekend the Chicago Teacher Residency celebrated the graduation of Diverse Learner, Elementary, and Middle School teachers. Hear from CTR graduate Amaziah […]
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Growing Students’ Vision and Voice for Postsecondary Success
Learn how AUSL’s network of schools is continuing to innovate to develop tomorrow’s education leaders today.
Developing Tomorrow’s Education Leaders Part 1
Learn how AUSL’s network of schools is continuing to innovate to develop tomorrow’s education leaders today.
Empire Star Ta’Rhonda Jones Visits Herzl SOE
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="7122" img_size="large"][vc_column_text]AUSL has partnered with Turnaround Arts to bring talented artists to network schools. Ta'Rhonda Jones, star of the hit show Empire, visited students at Herzl School of Excellence this November. Ms. Jones answered student questions and ended the visit with an auditorium-wide dance party.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
AUSL Founder Mike Koldyke Brings all AUSL Fifth Graders to the Goodman Theatre
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="7118" img_size="full"][vc_column_text]Thanks to the generosity of AUSL founder Mike Koldyke, all AUSL fifth graders were treated to a showing of the The Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre the week of November 27th. Mr. Koldyke continued his annual tradition of reserving the entire theater for AUSL students for two days. He does this to make sure students are able to experience live theater and enjoy the Christmas season. Read more about Mr. Koldyke's generous gift here. View news coverage of the event at NBC5...
Leading with the Learner at AUSL
AUSL’s Lewis School of Excellence and Stagg School of Excellence participate in LEAP Innovations’ most recent cohort of LEAP learning schools inside CPS.
Spotlighting AUSL’s STEM Programming Part 2: Boeing Grant Provides Support for AUSL STEM Initiatives
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]For the second year in a row, Boeing has generously provided AUSL network schools with a grant to inspire STEM participation and support the AUSL annual STEAM fair finals, an event that provides grades 4-12 across all 31 AUSL schools the opportunity to engage with science, engineering, technology, art (design) and math (STEAM) in creative competition. Our STEM programming includes:[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="STEM Buddies" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]AUSL Schools of Excellence...
Josh Groban and Keb’Mo’ Visit Chalmers and Johnson SOE thanks to Turnaround Arts
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="6966" img_size="full"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="6969" img_size="full"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]AUSL has partnered with Turnaround Arts to bring talented artists to network schools. Award-winning musical artists Josh Groban and Keb'Mo' visited students at Chalmers School of Excellence and Johnson School of Excellence. The two artists met with children in different classrooms to see how AUSL puts art into...
Spotlighting AUSL’s STEM Programming Part 1: Growing our Science Leaders
As featured in 100Kin10’s “Teachers at Work” report, learn more about AUSL’s research-based model to support Science teachers as they prepare our students for 21st century jobs.
Morton SOE Unveils New Playground
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="6878" img_size="large"][vc_column_text]Morton School of Excellence cut the ribbon on a brand new playground on Friday, October 19. The playground was generously donated by Space to Grow Chicago and the Chicago Department of Water. It will give students the opportunity to play, learn and garden outside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Award-Winning Artist David Garibaldi and Turnaround Arts Take Dvorak SOE Students to Chicago Bulls Game
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="6872" img_size="large"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]AUSL has partnered with Turnaround Arts to bring talented artists to network schools. Award-winning visual artist David Garibaldi brought 6th and 8th graders from Dvorak School of Excellence to the Chicago Bulls game on Saturday, October 20. Garibaldi performed during half time while the students watched in a private box.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]