Alberto Juárez

Cahn Fellow 2020

Principal, Joseph E. Gary Elementary

Chicago, Illinois

Alberto Juárez began his career as a middle school mathematics teacher. He pursued his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University because of his passion and dedication to inspire and make a positive impact on the lives of underserved students. Alberto has served in various leadership positions that focused on school improvement, which include Math & Science Coach, Funded Grants Program Director, and as a Management Support Director for the Chicago Public Schools.

Alberto is currently the proud principal of Joseph E. Gary Elementary in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago. Through his leadership at Gary Elementary, the students have consistently maintained a Level 1 status on the district’s school quality rating which is indicative of students’ academic growth, strong attendance and achievement in community partnerships.

Through a career spanning over twenty years, Alberto’s ongoing commitment and dedication to providing rigorous and meaningful learning experiences, in the classroom and at the school level, is a testament to the influence that an educator can have to help students achieve their dreams through education.

Molly Cooks

Cahn Ally 2020

MTSS Coordinator, Joseph E. Gary Elementary School

Chicago, Illinois

Molly Cooks began her career as an elementary school special education teacher. Over her 7 years of classroom experience, she has supported students in both separate class and inclusion settings. She pursued her Masters of Elementary and Special Education from DePaul University. She has a passion for ensuring that all students, regardless of zip code, have access to high-quality education.

Molly has held several leadership positions including MTSS coordinator, new teacher mentor and lead special education teacher. In addition, she has worked on several school improvement projects including a project Molly spearheaded to improve the school’s MTSS practices as part of her participation in the Change Agent program with TeachPlus.

In 2016, Molly completed her National Board certification in the Exceptional Needs category and is recognized as a highly effective teacher. She is currently working as the MTSS coordinator at Joseph E. Gary Elementary in Chicago. In her role, she organizes an after-school tutoring program that delivers high-quality education to the most struggling students. She develops professional development aimed to build teacher’s capacity for accelerating students and engages teachers in protocols to effectively problem solve issues around struggling students. In addition, she has developed a school-wide system for tracking student progress & coordinates a team to deliver intervention to low performing students during the school day.

Molly is driven by her belief that amazing things can be achieved when there is a team of people working towards providing all students with the quality education they deserve.