About Ms. Upshaw
I have lived in the Chicago-land area for over 15 years where I completed a Masters in Marketing (MBA) and a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education at University of Phoenix and National Louis University (NLU) respectively. Over summer 2018, I successfully completed my M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision at NLU. Through the State of Illinois, I have several endorsements which include Special Education (LSB1), EL, Middle School, Language Arts, Marketing and Management, and Social Science. My love for learning continues to transform into a love for teaching.
I enjoyed working in District 65 for 7 years in multiple educational roles in the elementary school setting including: co-teaching, resource, general education, as well as special education teaching. For two years, I was a Special Education teacher of a self-contained 4th/5th grade classroom effectively meeting a large range of needs both academically and emotionally for diverse students. I have also served students in grades 3rd-5th as a Special Education resource teacher. In this role, I collaborated with colleagues across multiple grade levels and related services in ways that develop student centered action plans to grow the whole child, facilitate professional growth and support teacher learning.
I have an unwavering personal commitment to strengthen my instructional practice through continuous professional development. In 2017, I became a Level 1 Certified Practitioner for the Wilson Reading System. I believe on-going professional development facilitates more opportunities to learn more about effective instruction as well as the changing needs of my diverse and evolving students.
While at Dawes, I served on multiple committees in leadership capacities. These leadership roles included: School Improvement Team (SIT) Co-Chair, School Climate Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) - Tier 2/3 Yellow Team Coordinator, Special Education Standing Committee, Student Council Coordinator, NWEA/MAP Test Coordinator, African American Achievement Committee -Editor & Chief - Harambee School Newsletter, Elected DEC (Union) Building Representative, and Girls on the Run (GOTR) Co-Coordinator and Coach. In the 2018-19 school year, I have participated in professional development focusing on: Behavior/crisis classroom management, trauma informed instruction, classroom restorative justice practices, morning meeting practices, BIP/FBA-504 Plan Writing, Special Education Law, Branching Minds and MTSS.
Currently, as an Assistant Principal within District U-46 at Ridge Circle Elementary, I believe engagement is a core resource for whole-school improvement. In addition to benefiting individual students, family and community, infusing family and community engagement into instructional practices is essential to school climate, academic achievement and community well-being. Facilitating the learning of both students and teachers is an exciting experience and provides the skills and desire to find a leadership position within a smaller elementary school I also believe that communication between school and home has never been more important. I am grateful to partner with such incredible people to help every child at Ridge Circle ignite their personal genius! Additionally, being a part of the leadership team to continue the strong work of District U-46 and to grow and foster a positive climate where we all learn together is personally rewarding. Together, we can bring a quality education to all students in an emotionally healthy and safe environment.
I am a workout enthusiast who enjoys reading, the Chicagoland winter months, traveling to Europe, music, dancing, and sports.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website!
Ms. Anissa Upshaw, MBA, M.Ed., W.D.P.
Assistant Principal
Ridge Circle Elementary School
District U-46
Email: [email protected]
Website: anissaupshaw7.weebly.com
Phone: 630-213-5600 ext#6461
I enjoyed working in District 65 for 7 years in multiple educational roles in the elementary school setting including: co-teaching, resource, general education, as well as special education teaching. For two years, I was a Special Education teacher of a self-contained 4th/5th grade classroom effectively meeting a large range of needs both academically and emotionally for diverse students. I have also served students in grades 3rd-5th as a Special Education resource teacher. In this role, I collaborated with colleagues across multiple grade levels and related services in ways that develop student centered action plans to grow the whole child, facilitate professional growth and support teacher learning.
I have an unwavering personal commitment to strengthen my instructional practice through continuous professional development. In 2017, I became a Level 1 Certified Practitioner for the Wilson Reading System. I believe on-going professional development facilitates more opportunities to learn more about effective instruction as well as the changing needs of my diverse and evolving students.
While at Dawes, I served on multiple committees in leadership capacities. These leadership roles included: School Improvement Team (SIT) Co-Chair, School Climate Team, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) - Tier 2/3 Yellow Team Coordinator, Special Education Standing Committee, Student Council Coordinator, NWEA/MAP Test Coordinator, African American Achievement Committee -Editor & Chief - Harambee School Newsletter, Elected DEC (Union) Building Representative, and Girls on the Run (GOTR) Co-Coordinator and Coach. In the 2018-19 school year, I have participated in professional development focusing on: Behavior/crisis classroom management, trauma informed instruction, classroom restorative justice practices, morning meeting practices, BIP/FBA-504 Plan Writing, Special Education Law, Branching Minds and MTSS.
Currently, as an Assistant Principal within District U-46 at Ridge Circle Elementary, I believe engagement is a core resource for whole-school improvement. In addition to benefiting individual students, family and community, infusing family and community engagement into instructional practices is essential to school climate, academic achievement and community well-being. Facilitating the learning of both students and teachers is an exciting experience and provides the skills and desire to find a leadership position within a smaller elementary school I also believe that communication between school and home has never been more important. I am grateful to partner with such incredible people to help every child at Ridge Circle ignite their personal genius! Additionally, being a part of the leadership team to continue the strong work of District U-46 and to grow and foster a positive climate where we all learn together is personally rewarding. Together, we can bring a quality education to all students in an emotionally healthy and safe environment.
I am a workout enthusiast who enjoys reading, the Chicagoland winter months, traveling to Europe, music, dancing, and sports.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website!
Ms. Anissa Upshaw, MBA, M.Ed., W.D.P.
Assistant Principal
Ridge Circle Elementary School
District U-46
Email: [email protected]
Website: anissaupshaw7.weebly.com
Phone: 630-213-5600 ext#6461
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
~ Nelson Mandela
~ Nelson Mandela
