Willowbrook principal named finalist for Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award

Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause has been named as one of four finalists for the 2016 Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award.

That award honors the exemplary performance of a pre-kindergarten- through twelfth-grade principal or head of school from throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The winner of the 2016 Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award will be announced during the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership annual event on May 20 and during the broadcast of the televised show on WTTW/Channel 11. The award is presented in memory of Stanley C. Golder, a founding board member of Golden Apple, whose energy, creativity and commitment to Golden Apple’s mission set the highest standard for dedication and accomplishment.

The selection criteria for the award is based on:

1. Personal excellence
2. Balanced and collaborative leadership
3. Commitment to student achievement
4. Expertise in curriculum, instruction and assessment

“I have known Krause for more than 15 years, and his dedication and commitment to continuously improving the educational experience for all students is second to none,” said District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton. “Krause brings a level of energy to the table and is always focused on what’s best for students. Our schools have received several national honors, and Krause’s vision, experience and leadership are a crucial aspect in earning those recognitions.”

A Celebration of Excellence in honor of the four finalists (and 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching) will take place on April 2 at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O'Hare in Rosemont. Nominated by fellow educators and community members, this year’s finalists have served as principal or head of school at one or more public or non-public schools for five or more consecutive school years. Krause has served as principal of Willowbrook since 2007 and began his career in the education field in 1995 as a math teacher at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights. He then taught math and was the director of math and science at Niles North High School in Skokie and was the director of math and applied technology at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park. He came to District 88 in 2002 as an Assistant Principal at Addison Trail and then moved to Willowbrook as an Assistant Principal in 2005.

When he entered college, Krause planned to major in chemical engineering. But it didn’t take long for him to discover his true passion was helping people fulfill their goals, and he quickly changed his major. He received his undergraduate degree in math from Loyola University Chicago and then continued on to earn his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northeastern Illinois University and a certificate of advanced study in educational leadership from Lewis University. He’s currently completing his doctoral work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

“I love the excitement of seeing people accomplish something they did not believe they could – and then realizing they were capable of it all along,” Krause said of why he became a teacher. “This is the best job there is – there’s nothing better than working with kids and helping them succeed. Now as an administrator, I love working with a team to come up with new ideas and being creative to improve the learning environment for students.”

And Willowbrook senior Kevin Miller said Krause does just that.

“Mr. Krause is a perfect example of what makes students want to come to school,” Miller said. “His energy, presence and smile alone motivate you to want to do better. He truly cares about each student as an individual and takes the time to get to know each of us and seeks our input regarding how Willowbrook can continue to improve.”

Miller added Krause has high standards for students and the school, and he’s always involved to help make sure those standards are met.

“He makes you feel welcome and at home as soon as you walk into Willowbrook,” Miller said. “He emphasizes Willowbrook is one big family, and he truly makes that a reality.”

Throughout his career, Krause has helped create a math course focused on solving real-world problems; developed small learning communities (where students are paired with specific teachers to enhance their high school experience); implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS); provided support to staff members to align to the new Common Core State Standards; and worked on the District 88 Building The Future project, which was a referendum proposal to modernize the infrastructure and learning environment of Willowbrook and its sister school, Addison Trail.

Outside of Willowbrook, Krause is a member and former president of Kiwanis Club of Villa Park and interacts with many local groups and organizations. He also can often be seen at community events and enjoying watching his son’s school events.
Krause is described by many as a zealous leader, whose energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious. District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain said it’s that passion that makes Krause worthy of this Golden Apple recognition.

“Willowbrook has achieved high levels of success in all areas – academics, athletics and extracurricular activities – and creating that positive culture of success starts at the top with strong leadership,” Craft Cain said. “As a Board, we know our students are in great hands under Krause, and he will continue the tradition of excellence that is the legacy of Willowbrook and District 88.”