Ms. LaTonya Austin is the newly selected Principal of Austin Polytechnical Academy for a 5-year contract. Ms. Austin was interviewed by the CPS Chief Area Officer, APA teacher, student, parent, community, and industry partner stakeholders and Local School Council members. Of the eight candidates interviewed, Ms. Austin was a clear favorite among all the interviewing committee members.  

 

Prior to her selection; Ms. Austin was the Principal of the Global Visions Academy appointed by the CEO Arnie Duncan. Under her leadership the school acquired a catalogue of accomplishments, which include: increasing the number of students with access to and taking AP courses and sustaining expanded learning opportunities for 9th- 12th grade students despite budget constraints.  Before becoming a principal, Ms. Austin was the Assistant Principal at Fenger Achievement Academy, and has been employed with Chicago Public Schools since 1997. 

 

Ms. Austin has obtained an extensive educational background, which has helped her in working towards providing the best education for the children of Chicago. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and secondary education from Chicago State University, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Northern Illinois University, and Masters of Science in Mathematics from Chicago State University.  Ms. Austin is also currently working on her Ed.D from University of Illinois-Chicago in the Urban Educational Leadership Doctorial Program.

 

 "APA will provide students with a well-rounded education that includes a foundation in advanced academics, technical skills, and social mores.   At Austin Polytechnical, we believe in teaching the whole child and the empowerment of educators."

 

For the month of August an enthusiastic group called the 'APA Squad' attended a variety of Westside events, passing out fliers and talking to people about Austin Polytech. The Squad consists of Local School Council members, CLCR staff, students, teachers and our new principal who have attended local health fairs, community organization meetings, youth groups, CAPS meetings, churches, the Taste of Austin, and even got on Gospel Radio 1570 to let people know what a unique program we have.  We received mostly positive responses from Westsiders, many of whom were intrigued by our combination of college prep, manufacturing and engineering, and opportunities for students to get industry credentials and real-world working experience.  We've spent most of the last four years focused internally as we worked to fully-implement the design of our school, now is the time to be proactive to make sure everyone knows we are a one-of-a-kind educational resource for the community. Thanks to everyone who participated in the APA Squad!

 

 Click here to listen to APA on the Radio on Gospel Radio 1570!