Dr. Elizabeth Álvarez

Dr. Elizabeth Álvarez is a bilingual educator with over 15 years of instructional leadership experience, dedicated to fostering growth and achievement among staff, students, and the community. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and is an accomplished leader who has developed strategic plans, built strong relationships, and championed initiatives that promote social-emotional learning and a sense of belonging. As a superintendent, she has consolidated schools, strengthened family engagement, developed STEAM labs, and mentored aspiring superintendents on their paths to educational leadership. Dr. Álvarez spent 13 years teaching upper-grade science before becoming a math and science coach for three years. She then served as an assistant principal for two years and was a principal for six years at a pre-K through 8th-grade school. During her tenure, the school attained level 1+ status, all while she taught as an adjunct professor at Concordia University. A co-founder of the Latino Leadership Pipeline, Dr. Álvarez mentors aspiring Latino leaders and is a past president of the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. She previously served as Network 8 Chief of Schools in Chicago Public Schools, supporting more than 15 schools and elevating achievement from the 30th to the 70th percentile. Now the superintendent of Forest Park District 91, she is the first female, Latina, and person of color to lead the district, highlighting her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in education.