After working at AT for over 19 years, assistant principal Courtney Dement is leaving Addison Trail to work as the principal of Downers Grove North High School.
“It’s definitely bittersweet! I’m not kidding when I say that I feel like I’m leaving my family! I’ve known many people here for almost half of my life,” says Mrs. Dement who has worked at Addison Trail for almost two decades under various roles, most recently as assistant principal for curriculum and instruction. “I have always loved the family aspect that surrounds both the Addison Trail faculty as well as the students. AT has been my second home for 19 years, and we truly are a family-and every faculty member here truly cares about students and will do anything for them,” she added.
Kicking her career off as a substitute teacher after being hired by then Addison Trail Principal Scott Helton, Mrs. Dement soon started working at AT full time as an English teacher and quickly moved up the ranks of the school administration. After teaching, she became the student activities director, then the assistant principal of building operations (where she oversaw the construction of both the farmhouse and the commons), and finally ended up as the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction in 2014. Since then she has worked with parents, students, and staff to develop a curriculum that works for everyone. Her current responsibilities include leading AT’s Advanced Placement program, running school-wide testing (including the PSAT and SAT) as well as many other programs.
“Mrs. Dement has been dedicated to AT for the past 19 years and her legacy of high expectations and being student-centered will live on well after she takes the helm at Downers Grove North. We are excited for her to start the next stage of her professional career, but she will be missed,” remarked Addison Trail Principal Michael Bolden who has worked side by side with Mrs. Dement since 2007. “But like we tell all of our students and staff after they graduate or move on, Once A Blazer…Always A Blazer,” he concluded.
Just like the students she helps at AT, Mrs. Dement also has a lifelong passion for learning as well. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, a master’s degree in educational organization and leadership from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and just recently finished up her doctorate degree at Aurora University. Even in her free time, Mrs. Dement is dedicated to education, serving as the regional director for the Illinois Principal Association and holding leadership roles at the DuPage Regional Office of Education, all while taking care of her three boys Charlie, Camden, and Coop.
“I would just say thank you – thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve in this community for so long, and I am so proud to think where we were 19 years ago and where we are now,” acknowledged Mrs. Dement. “Without the amazing team of teachers, aides, clerical staff, student supervisors, custodians, leaders, cafeteria workers, district office – this would not be the truly competitive school it is that provides for all students in so many different ways. I’m glad I have gotten the opportunity to work with people to influence major change at Addison Trail over the years, and again, just thank you to everyone for giving me the amazing moments I’ve been lucky to experience.”
Mrs. Dement will officially take over as principal of Downers Grove North on July 1st 2021.
