Keller Elementary Announces New Principal

When the 2021-22 school year begins in August, students attending Helen Keller Elementary School will have a new principal. KSD 140 educator James Hanley was selected to lead the school, taking over for Principal Joann Greene who is retiring.

"I'm honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Keller‘s next principal,” stated Mr. Hanley. “I am looking forward to working together with an amazing school community to provide the positive and supportive environment that our students deserve."

Mr. Hanley holds a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago (May 2021). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Benedictine University. 

He has been with District 140 for four years and was most recently a Program Supervisor in the Special Services department. Prior to his current position, Mr. Hanley was a resource teacher at Fernway Park Elementary School and a resource teacher for five years in Chicago Public Schools. He also spent time in Honduras as a Peace Corps Volunteer where he worked for the local library, school, and organization that works with people with disabilities.

“To borrow from William Butler Yates, I believe that education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire," stated Mr. Hanley. 

“I am excited to work towards lighting the fire of education in all members of the Keller school community.”