Hunt Club Elementary School

 

Ms. Garza brings a distinguished record of educational leadership, a deep commitment to serving diverse communities, and a proven ability to build strong school cultures rooted in belonging and academic excellence.

 

Ericka Garza began her career as an English Learner (EL) teacher, supporting students in grades 4–8 through a Transitional Bilingual Education Program. She advanced to an EL Program Coordinator position. From 2017 to 2022, Ms. Garza served as Principal of Mark Twain Primary School in Kankakee, a dual-language magnet school, where she strengthened community partnerships and led the school to strong academic performance outcomes. She then served as Principal of Meadowbrook Elementary School in Northbrook, where she elevated the school to Exemplary status, strengthened instructional systems, and enhanced Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) structures.

 

Most recently, Ms. Garza has served as Principal of Rosa Parks Middle School in Dixmoor, Illinois, where she has transformed school culture, improved attendance and behavior outcomes, and exceeded academic growth targets.

 

“Throughout the interview process, Ms. Garza distinguished herself as a results-oriented leader with exceptional strengths in serving diverse communities, culture building, instructional leadership, and building the capacity of school leadership teams,” said Executive Director of Schools Dr. Tammie Harmon. “Her systems-thinking approach and rich background in community engagement make her an excellent choice to lead Hunt Club Elementary School.”