Paul Riskus, Practitioner

Walt Disney Magnet School

Chicago, IL

Paul Riskus started his educational career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood at Urban Prep High School. At Urban Prep, he also coached football and track, and became the Science Department Chair. It was in this role that he gained a love and interest in school leadership. After applying and being accepted to the EdD program in Urban Educational Leadership at the University of Illinois in Chicago, he became an instructional coach and assistant principal at Garcia High School. Following this role, he served as the Assistant Principal at Chicago’s largest elementary school, Walt Disney Magnet School. He currently serves as Disney’s principal, and is humbled and excited to be in this role. Paul is a family and community partner placing a high value on cultural and intellectual diversity, while creating optimal postsecondary opportunities for all students. He has a shared approach to leadership that strives to empower school stakeholders to create a secure environment that dreams big, has high expectations for all, and offers support that makes success possible for everyone.