Natasha Topps, Practitioner

John D Shoop Math-Science Technical Academy ES

Chicago, IL

Providing opportunities for success and changing the educational trajectory of children has always been a priority for Natasha Topps. Beginning as a classroom teacher in 2001 to elementary school principal in 2019, Natasha meets educational challenges head on and works to alleviate challenges that affect her school community. Raised on the south-side of Chicago, Principal Topps is an instructional leader committed to excellence. Natasha received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Rust College, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. As the principal and instructional leader of John D. Shoop, Natasha has worked to secure more than $1 million dollars in STEM funding and increased community partnerships to support the social and emotional well-being of her students. Other areas of expertise include: using student data to inform instruction, building teacher capacity, and working to create environments that shape academic success.. Principal Topps attributes her success to her faith in God, family, mentors, other educational leaders, teachers, parents, and community members who support her vision and work alongside her in support of the Shoop community and all of its stakeholders.