As AT opens its doors for new students and the 2021-22 school year, AT welcomes a new assistant principal from Willowbrook High School.
Former science teacher Michael Warren decided he wanted to play a more administrative role after more than 20 years in education. At Willowbrook, he taught a variety of classes including Human Body Systems PLTW and AP Biology while coaching Science Olympiad, Track for 12 years, and Boys’ Football for 9 years.
Now, he’d like to offer the support that granted him success as an educator. “I’ve taught in classrooms for two decades, so I understand that kids and teachers need administrative support, so I’m here trying my best to support teachers in classrooms and connect them with things they need to learn, ” said Warren.
From years in the classroom and out on the field, Warren learned what comprises student success, and he plans to coordinate this as AT Assistant Principal. “I understand the need for teachers to connect with kids and I understand the need for kids to connect with each other and the school, so anything I can do to empower that interaction and make sure we are offering clubs and academics at a place where students feel like they belong,” said Warren.
Before teaching, Warren recalls his experiences as a high school student. His most pivotal moments were those that shaped him to become a first-generation college graduate, the first to attend and graduate college in his family.
“There were teachers that gave me perspectives I didn’t get at home,” said Warren.
He believes these are the perspectives that encouraged him to become who he is now, and he has driven his career with the desire to pay this forward to the people around him.
“A piece of my job is to understand that not all kids have the same home life and experiences and that we can show a pathway to success,” Warren said.
Following high school, Warren went on to study Biology at Illinois State University, attain a master’s in curriculum education at Northern Illinois University, a master’s in biology at Nebraska University, and a master’s in education leadership at Concordia University.
Now an AT Blazer, Warren misses the Warriors and the connections he has built over the years, but he is attempting to build new connections and relationships.
“I’m having a great time here. The faculty and staff have been very welcoming to me. You probably notice me in the hallway just trying to say ‘hi’ to kids and just trying to build those relationships that I had over at Willowbrook,” Warren said. “It’s great to be here, and the building is much better,” he continued.
Warren is proud of the normalcy AT has been able to return to and students’ compliance with masks and social distancing. “The masking and distancing is hard for everybody,” Warren said. “It feels like a school with kids in it, and kids are out there having fun and learning.”
Warren lives at home in Wheaton with his wife, Maura, and their three children: Audra, Bernie, and Tabitha. He looks forward to meeting students and learning more about AT as assistant principal.
