Denise Hibbard was welcomed to New Trier in 2011 as a Northfield Campus Assistant Principal. Earlier this month, Hibbard was named the Winnetka Campus Principal.
Hibbard has a long history in education. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in education from Depaul University. Hibbard has over a decade of school administration experience. She was an assistant principal at California High School in San Ramon for six years. Her greatest achievement in her career so far though, was her role as Dougherty Valley High School Principal.
At Dougherty, which opened in 2007, Hibbard oversaw the opening of the school and helped it become one of the top performing high schools in California. Based on the Academic Performance Index, Dougherty is now the best school in its district.
This past experience in California, in addition to two years as an administrator at the Northfield Campus, gave Hibbard an advantage when she was contending for the Winnetka Campus Principal.
At New Trier, Hibbard oversaw many student services programs and adviser programs. She has also helped significantly with the shift to online registration for freshmen classes at the Northfield Campus.
During the selection process, Hibbard was very conscious about how she prepared. Hibbard said, “I was very thoughtful about my preparation for the position and spent time listening and learning from faculty and staff members about their work. Once I received the position, I was excited and appreciative for the opportunity to lead New Trier.”
Northfield Campus Principal Paul Waechtler has worked closely with Hibbard these past two years. Waechtler is sure that Hibbard will have no problem adjusting. “Ms. Hibbard is diligent, has great interpersonal skills, and is humorous and intelligent,” said Waechtler. “Her listening skills and ability to think creatively about solutions are readily apparent.”
Hibbard will succeed Timothy Dohrer this July. Dohrer is leaving to become Director of Teacher Education at Northwestern University’s School of Education. One of Dohrer’s strengths is the connections that he has built with the staff, students and community. Students were encouraged to stop by his office at anytime, and Hibbard plans to keep the principal-student bond strong.
When leading a school, building these connections can only enhance the education experience. “I believe that building and sustaining relationships is critical to the success of our students at New Trier,” said Hibbard. “Our work is about meeting students where they are and trying to understand and connect with them personally. I will make every effort to make myself available to students and encourage open communication.”
To Hibbard these bonds are “one of the most important roles of the Principal.”
Specific examples on how Hibbard plans on building these relationships range from attending athletic events to meeting with the student representatives in Student Alliance.
Hibbard will listen to student, staff and parents to improve New Trier. “There are many great things that are happening at the school, but that does not inhibit us from looking forward and finding ways to improve,” said Hibbard.
According to Waechtler, this should not be a problem. There is no doubt that her selection was well-received. Waechtler said, “Once you get to know her and work with her, you are bound to be impressed and like her.”