As the new school year is in session, Niles West welcomes a new Dean, Tanya Kennedy. She is excited about her new position and has made it clear that she is here to welcome and support all students.
Kennedy has a lot of experience building relationships with students because she has worked in the educational field for a long time. Before coming to Niles West, she worked as a special education teacher before transitioning to Assistant Principal at Waukegan Middle School. However, the transition from working with middle schoolers to high schoolers has been a different experience for Kennedy as she’s getting to hear different perspectives.
“It’s an awesome place to be, learning about the different cultures and just to be in high school. It’s just learning about life as a high schooler and it has been fun to hear from students’ perspectives as well,” Kennedy said.
Although she’s spent little time at West so far, Kennedy already loves it. Having grown up in Skokie, she’s enjoyed getting to know the city that changed a lot since she was a kid.
“Skokie is a lot different than from when I was a kid, so really getting to know the new city of Skokie, the young people, and the folks that live here. I’m just hoping to advocate the needs of the students,” Kennedy said.
She also appreciates the diversity and different cultures that she’s getting to learn more about. Kennedy has already built strong connections and cannot wait to get to know more of the student body.
“I have only worked with Dean Kennedy for a few weeks now but I have observed that she is compassionate and exudes positive energy. I look forward to working with her to support our students,” counselor Ben Grais said.
One of Kennedy’s main goals as a Dean is to advocate for the needs of students. She wants to work with the students and staff to figure out ways that they can support and educate each other.
“I am here to support. I am here to advocate. I’m here to be a voice to the voiceless, to help navigate a system that is not always fair but we are trying to do our best to make it as equitable for all,” Kennedy said.
A lesson that Kennedy wants her students to take away from her is that they never have to feel alone, and she’s available to help. She believes that a successful school year is only possible through teamwork.
“Tanya is very supportive towards her students. She is able to help students hold themselves accountable and teach them coping strategies and conflict resolution in a calm and caring demeanor,” Dean William Shanahan said.
The other Deans share similar feelings and are excited to continue to work with her.
Outside of school some of Kennedy’s hobbies include, traveling, spending time with her family and watching musicals. Welcome to Niles West, Dean Kennedy!
