Elizabeth Wontor-Leach, Practitioner

Franklin Fine Arts Center

Chicago, IL

Liz Wontor is the principal of Franklin Fine Arts Center, a public Fine Arts magnet school located in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago, IL. She began her teaching career in Chicago as a fine arts educator. She has served as an administrator in both elementary and high school settings. In addition to serving as a principal, Liz also leads professional learning communities of principals through the Chicago Fund for Education. Recent PLC topics she had developed and led include “Building Resilient Educators in a Time of Crisis” as well as “Dismantling Systems of Oppression in Our Schools.” Her drive and passion for equity has led her to become a facilitator for the National SEED Project, and she has led numerous parent and teacher SEED groups. In addition to her degrees in Education, Liz also holds an MA in design and enjoys bringing design thinking concepts to solve school-based challenges. Ultimately, Liz strives to foster a sense of community that builds trust, positive relationships, and a shared cause- preparing all of our students to lead full and purposeful lives as their authentic selves.