Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Hernandez is an accomplished educational administrator and currently an Assistant Principal at Creekside Elementary School within Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. Serving in a pre-K through fifth-grade school, she has dedicated the past six years in administrative roles to supporting students, educators, and families while advancing initiatives that promote academic achievement and inclusive educational experiences. In her current leadership role, she supports dual-language programming and the BASES program, which serves students with behavioral and social-emotional needs, while also drawing on her background in mathematics education and instructional coaching. Hernandez began her career as a mathematics teacher before advancing into instructional coaching, multilingual services, and school leadership. She spent 12 years with Chicago Public Schools and later held leadership and instructional roles in the Chicagoland suburbs, including serving as a Teaching and Learning Coach and Coordinator of Multilingual Services with Valley View School District 365U, and as Dean of Students at Glenbard East High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago, including a Middle School Math and Science Endorsement, she also holds an ESL and Bilingual endorsement, followed by two Master’s Degrees from Concordia University Chicago in Secondary Mathematics and Principal Preparation. She is now preparing to begin a doctoral program as she continues working toward her long-term goal of serving in district-level educational leadership. Throughout her career, Hernandez has remained committed to creating supportive, equitable, and accessible learning environments in which students can thrive. She believes that strong relationships, clear communication, and meaningful family engagement are essential to student success, particularly as schools work to serve increasingly diverse communities. Guided by honesty, transparency, and integrity, she approaches leadership with a commitment to supporting staff, advocating for students, and partnering with families. She attributes her success to believing in herself and trusting her instincts, and she encourages young women entering education to do the same.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is not to overthink every decision, trust my instincts, and remain grounded in my morals and values. Throughout my career, I have learned that thoughtful consideration is important, but there are times when I must have the confidence to trust my judgment and move forward. Staying true to who I am and allowing my principles to guide my decisions has helped me navigate challenges with confidence and authenticity.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the education field is to believe in themselves and trust their abilities. There will be moments of uncertainty and challenges along the way, but confidence in your knowledge, instincts, and potential can help you navigate them successfully. Trust yourself, remain open to growth, and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective and contributions.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in education today is ensuring that families can remain actively engaged in their children’s education despite demanding work schedules and numerous personal responsibilities. Many parents and caregivers may not be able to attend every school event or meeting, but I believe these challenges also present an opportunity for schools to develop more creative and inclusive approaches to family engagement. By offering flexible scheduling, maintaining clear and consistent communication, and providing varied opportunities for participation, schools can make it easier for every family to stay connected and involved in their child’s educational journey.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, and integrity. I believe in communicating openly, treating others with respect, and taking responsibility for my actions and decisions. These values guide how I build relationships, approach challenges, and strive to conduct myself with consistency and authenticity.
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