Erin Dwyer saw firsthand the impact teachers can have on students and families.
Growing up in River Forest, her mother, Darlene, taught in area public and parochial schools. She remembers vividly families approaching her mom on the street to thank her for her efforts.
“She put her heart into it, and that’s something I aspired to be,” said Dwyer, the new Hollywood School principal, effective July 1. She is also the Riverside School District 96 summer school administrator.
Dwyer, currently the principal at Lace School in Darien School District 61, was approved unanimously by the District 96 board March 23.
“I think people were impressed with her overall demeanor and disposition,” said superintendent Dr. Martha Ryan-Toye. “She comes with a lot of experience in the elementary school role, so I think the breadth and depth was important.”
When Ryan-Toye says people, she really means it. Dwyer, who has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, had to face a panel of 11 in interviewing for her role. That included Ryan-Toye, other administrators, a principal, teachers, parents, a paraprofessional and the school secretary.
“I was actually comfortable talking to all the stakeholders,” Dwyer said. “There was this level of comfort … ‘I think I really found my new home.’ And I was hoping the committee felt the same.”
Dwyer’s first job was teaching second graders at the now-closed Fairview School in District 61. After administrative stops at Forest Park School District 91 and Westchester School District 92.5, she took over the reins at Lace School in fall 2013. She received her doctorate in December 2018.
A key accomplishment of Dwyer’s at Lace School was guiding its improvement from the state’s designation as a Rising Star school to Commendable status, with a focus on all learners – those who need extra support, the general education population and advanced learners.
Those experiences gave her insight into the biggest challenges a principal at an elementary school faces today. The most important thing, she said, is making sure good, solid connections are made with students, families, administrators and staff.
“You end up building a relationship of respect,” she said. “You build that from day one. I think that coming in as a new person, you’re building those relationships of trust and respect.”’
In a district-wide email announcing Dwyer’s hire, Ryan-Toye echoed those sentiments.
“We know that each of our schools are places of true connection, tradition and joy in learning,” she said. “We are confident that Dr. Dwyer will continue to support and nurture this strong culture at Hollywood while growing us and leading us into our future.”
One of the things you’ll notice about Dwyer is her visibility. You’ll see her welcoming children in the car line in the morning, for example. She said she also has an open-door policy for anyone with questions or concerns.
She also isn’t wasting any time getting started.
“I’m very excited to start building those connections in the spring, meeting the kids and family and staff,” she said, “giving students a voice in their educational endeavors, working alongside the PTA and finding ways for parents to become involved during the school day.”
Away from school, Dwyer dotes on her four nieces and nephew, spending time attending their sporting events. She’s close with her mom, and also her toy golden doodle, Chieftain.
“I think we’re going to do amazing things with the family/school relationship,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being part of the amazing traditions at Hollywood and growing those traditions.”