Dr. Michelle Augustyniak didn’t set out to earn awards. She set out to support teachers, lift up students and help build a school where collaboration drives success. This year, that commitment earned her one of the region’s top honors.
The Amos Alonzo Stagg High School Associate Principal of Instruction has been named the 2025 South Cook Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. She will be recognized with a plaque at the organization’s Education Leaders conference.
Augustyniak said the award reflects the culture she feels grateful to be part of.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in District 230 and truly appreciative of this recognition,” she said. “What I value most about being part of this district is the way we approach our work collaboratively and collectively. I feel fortunate every day to work alongside great educators.”
Augustyniak has served as Stagg’s associate principal for instruction since 2021, leading instructional initiatives and strengthening resources available to students and staff. Her educational roots run deep. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Illinois State University and began her career teaching PE and coaching in Indian Prairie School District 204. She later completed both her master’s and doctorate in educational leadership at the University of St. Francis. Her doctoral research explored how the personal characteristics of instructional leaders influence the collective efficacy of the teams they guide.
Before joining Stagg, she served as director of guidance at Sandburg High School and earlier led the PE, Health and Driver Education division.
Colleagues say her work has made a measurable difference.
“Dr. Augustyniak has been the primary instructional leader within our school, empowering administrators, teachers and students to accelerate learning by utilizing a collaborative leadership model,” Principal Eric Olsen said. “She works with staff to develop holistic menus of academic and social-emotional supports for students.”
District leaders credit her with helping drive a 6 percent increase in Freshmen On Track in one year and keeping more than 95 percent of students on track for success.
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Dr. Anita Huffman called her “a true instructional leader whose impact is felt across her school, district and the profession.”
Augustyniak said the most meaningful part of her work is the community she serves.
“Stagg High School is special because of the staff, students and community,” she said. “Our entire school community genuinely embraces and supports one another, and it is inspiring to be part of an environment that learns and grows together. Our staff works tirelessly to provide meaningful opportunities that set students up for success during their time here and in preparation for their futures.”
Augustyniak lives in Lemont and said she shares the honor with the people who make Stagg feel like home.
“This recognition is really a reflection of the incredible work happening across our school,” she said. “I am proud to be part of it.”