Her Story
About Heather
Heather Giles is an accomplished education leader who has dedicated her career to helping students and educators thrive. Heather began her career in education in 2010 after earning her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and completing an internship with Camp Adventure in Germany, where she worked with children in military childcare and after-school programs. After returning to Illinois, she worked as a paraprofessional in special education before becoming a sixth-grade math teacher at Iroquois West Middle School. Her commitment to innovation led her to earn a master’s degree in Educational and Instructional Technology from Concordia University Chicago in 2016, allowing her to teach technology-focused courses incorporating coding, robotics, and 3D printing.
Heather has steadily advanced through instructional and administrative leadership roles, serving as an instructional and technology coach, assistant principal, and ultimately principal of Iroquois West High School, where she has served since 2023. She earned a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University in 2021, along with principal licensure and a superintendent endorsement. Heather’s leadership philosophy emphasizes student choice, exploration, collaboration, and individualized learning. She describes her approach as a blend of shared and servant leadership, focusing on empowering team members, supporting professional growth, and leading by example. She also supervises athletic and special school events, including homecoming, while contributing to the broader education community through her involvement with the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Heather values creativity, relationships, integrity, and lifelong learning. She and her partner, Alex, enjoy working together on construction projects and flipping houses, as well as completing projects that enhance the visual environment of her school. They also enjoy spending time with their Great Dane, Flora. Heather plans to begin a doctoral program in Educational Leadership in fall 2026, continuing her commitment to professional growth and educational leadership. Her career reflects a passion for education, innovation, collaborative leadership, and creating positive environments where students and educators can succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, persistence, and desire to continually improve. As an Enneagram Type 3, I’m always looking for ways to grow, create a lasting legacy, and use my success to positively impact others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to know enough to be dangerous. As a leader, I don’t need to know every detail, but I should understand my work well, ask the right questions, and know who to turn to when I need expertise.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep learning. Learn as much as you can and find a network of people to learn with, because I think through some of my volunteer work with some nonprofits that are education-based. You're just able to always find the people in your corner who can cheer you on, who can teach you things you didn't know you needed to know.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Sometimes being one of the few women at the table. This year, I am the only female on my administrative team. I would even say that into county meetings and things like that, there are not as many females in my neck of the woods that are the leaders of buildings like that.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of the top ones. Do what you say. Financial security is a big driver in why I keep doing what I do. I want to make sure that my family and I are good. And I think relationships. To be a leader, you're working for the people, in all facets. So, making sure that you take the time to value the relationships with the people that you serve.
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