D99 administrator has spent over two decades as an educator in Cicero

Cicero District 99 is pleased to announce Jeanne Tanaka as the new incoming principal for Columbus East Elementary School, effective July 27.

With 31 years of experience in education, Tanaka has worked for District 99 since 2002 and brings to the principal role a rich background of leadership. During her time in District 99, she has worked as a reading interventionist, literacy coach and assistant principal. Outside of the District, she has also served as an adjunct faculty member at both Morton College and Olivet Nazarene University.

This school year, Tanaka has served as assistant principal at Columbus East, a role which has undoubtedly helped prepare her to lead the school community as the next principal. She is expected to not only help foster positive student growth, but help staff deliver quality educational experiences as well. Prior to serving as assistant principal at Columbus East, she had worked for several years as the assistant principal at Warren Park Elementary School. 

Tanaka’s credentials include a master’s degree in school leadership (Illinois Principal Preparation Program) from Concordia University Chicago, a master’s degree in literacy and master’s degree in reading and literacy from Northern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in English from Northeastern Illinois University.

“I’m most excited about continuing to work alongside an amazing group of teachers, staff, students and parents,” Tanaka said.