Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL)

🎉 Surprise, Ms. Juarez! 🎉

We recently visited Solorio High School to share some exciting news: Ms. Andrea Juarez has been named AUSL’s first-ever Resident of the Year! 💙💛

Throughout her residency, Ms. Juarez has created an inclusive, student-centered classroom where all learners feel seen, valued, and empowered. One example of her impact is the art therapy class she helped lead, which paired honor students with students with severe and profound disabilities, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and inclusion across the school community. Her creativity, leadership, and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on her school community and exemplify the very best of AUSL.

To celebrate this well-deserved recognition, Ms. Juarez and a guest are heading to Lollapalooza as part of our first-ever AUSLapalooza experience, made possible by the generous support of C3 Presents. 🎶

Congratulations, Ms. Juarez, on being named AUSL’s first-ever Resident of the Year! We’re proud to celebrate you and all you’ve accomplished. ✨

We’re excited to announce the very first AUSL Resident of the Year! 🏆

To celebrate an incredible year of impact, leadership, and dedication to students, AUSL’s Resident of the Year will receive a graduation surprise from the AUSL family: two tickets to Lollapalooza thanks to the support of C3 Presents 🎉

Stay tuned because is officially on the way 👀✨

As Teacher Appreciation Month continues, we’re reflecting on special moments from our April 2026 AUSL Benefit Dinner, including welcoming former U.S. Secretary of Education and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools Arne Duncan.

Secretary Duncan played an important role in AUSL’s early beginnings. During his time leading Chicago Public Schools, he worked alongside civic and education leaders to help launch AUSL around a shared belief that every student deserves access to a great teacher and strong educational opportunities.

During the evening, Arne reflected on the power of education, the importance of investing in teachers, and the lasting impact educators have on students and communities across Chicago.

Thank you, Arne Duncan, for helping us celebrate 25 years of lasting change.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honoring the educators who choose students every single day.

At our 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, AUSL’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Jacqueline Carmona, shared the powerful story that led her from New York to Chicago and inspired her to become the teacher her students deserved.

Her story is a reminder of the impact educators have when they lead with compassion, advocacy, and belief in every student’s potential.

There are teachers who teach lessons. And then there are teachers who change lives.

During her remarks at AUSL’s 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, 2025 Teacher of the Year Jasmyne Portee-Haywood shared what it truly means to show up for students beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Portee-Haywood reminds us that teaching is so much more than instruction. It is love, consistency, advocacy, and being a steady presence when students need it most.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate educators like Mrs. Portee-Haywood whose dedication continues to transform lives far beyond the walls of a classroom. ✨

When Ms. Carmona was surprised as AUSL’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, she reflected on the person who shaped her journey.

Her Aunt Jackie encouraged her to lead, mentor, and believe in her impact.

Weeks later, she stood on stage at our 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner, surrounded by a community celebrating her work.

This is what 25 years of lasting change looks like: educators who inspire, mentors who uplift, and the people who believed in them first!