District 88 Board of Education recognizes District 88 Assistant Superintendent for earning doctoral degree

District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain (right) presents District 88 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente with an engraved clock to honor and congratulate Barbanente for earning her doctoral degree. Barbanente was recognized for her accomplishment during the Dec. 16 Board of Education meeting.

District 88 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente receives her diploma for earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. During its Dec. 16 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the District 88 administration, recognized and congratulated Barbanente for her accomplishment.

During its Dec. 16 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education, along with the District 88 administration, recognized and congratulated District 88 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente for earning her doctoral degree.

Dr. Barbanente received her doctorate in Educational Leadership on Oct. 30 from Aurora University after successfully defending her dissertation, titled “Leadership in Difficult Times: Deep Equity, Race, and the Journey Toward Equity Literacy.” She joined District 88 in 1995 as a member of the World Language Department at Addison Trail High School, where she taught Italian and Spanish. In 2002, Dr. Barbanente transitioned to her first leadership role in District 88 as she took on the position of Guidance Department Chair at Addison Trail. In 2006, Dr. Barbanente was named as Assistant Superintendent of District 88 and has since provided leadership in the areas of teaching, learning, human resources, compliance, equity and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS).

Dr. Barbanente received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on teaching Italian and Spanish from Dominican University (Rosary College) and earned her Master of Arts in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with ESL and Bilingual Concentration from National Louis University. She completed her Administrative and Superintendent Licensure program at Concordia University before pursuing her doctoral degree.

“Jean has always gone above and beyond in everything she has done personally and professionally,” said Dr. Scott Helton, District 88 Superintendent. “Her relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in all she does. She has worked to deliver the District 88 Mission and Vision and for the continuous improvement of all students, while maintaining a culture of college, career and cultural readiness. Jean has always focused her professional attention on those who need us the most.”

During the meeting, the Board presented Dr. Barbanente with an engraved clock in honor of her dedication and commitment to enhancing the educational environment for the students, staff and community of District 88. To watch a video of the presentation, click the video above.