Flossmoor School District 161 has hired a new director of learning and instruction.
The board of education approved Amabel Crawford for the position at a special meeting on Thursday morning. She begins working in the district on July 1.
She replaces Amy Warke, who served as assistant superintendent of learning and instruction in District 161 for the last five years. Warke became the chief academic and accountability officer in Oak Park District 97 last month. June 30 was the last day of her contract with District 161.
Crawford currently works for the American Institute for Research-Illinois Center for School Improvement as a district liaison for data and curriculum, according to a District 161 press release. She also served as an instructional support leader, principal and assistant principal at the elementary level while working for the Chicago Public School System.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from DePaul University and her Master’s in School Administration from Loyola University.
According to the May 11 job posting, the learning instruction chief “develops, oversees and manages day-to-day operations of educational programs and services for the district” and also “plans, develops, and implements functions related to curriculum, instruction and staff development.”
District 161 Superintendent Craig Doster said he is excited about working with Crawford.
“She will be an asset to our school district as we continue to work with curriculum and instruction,” he said. “Her educational experiences will assist our school district as we continue our quest for excellence.”
Doster said there were 55 applicants for the position, and that a number of them had outstanding credentials.
Crawford said she was eagerly anticipating working with District 161 students, teachers and parents.
“I am passionate about teaching, learning and leadership and look forward to build upon and advancing the excellent work in District 161,” she said.
Correction: This story originally had the wrong photo posted by mistake. The Chronicle regrets the error.
