Emily Chaffee
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
ACCOLADES
EDUCATION
LANGUAGES
English
Music Educator
School Delegate, Consultant CTU-ChiACTS:
United Educators for Justice - Chicago, IL
Master of Science:
Teacher Leadership (2023)
Music Teacher (K-5), CEA Representative
Columbus City Schools, Columbus, OH
Spanish
Teacher Leader
Equity-driven school leader with over a decade of experience in instruction, student supports, and community-focused leadership. Demonstrated success in designing inclusive, trauma-informed systems, building high-engagement partnerships with families and staff, and managing operations for schools serving diverse populations. Recognized for fostering safe, student-centered environments that prioritize relationships, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
08/2017 - Current
06/2019 - 03/2023
08/2015 - 06/2017
*******.*****@*****.***
Berwyn, IL 60402
Excellent
University of St. Francis
Intermediate
2019 & 2015 Teacher of the Year
Six-time "Teacher of the Month"
Music Will National PD Presenter (2022–
2023)
BP Arts Liaison (2017–present)
Mentored 7 colleagues across roles
Secured over $138,400 in grant funding for
music programs and instruments in two
states
Coached 6 students to Level 1+ ratings at
state music competitions
Led music instruction and school-wide enrichment across nine grade levels, integrating social-emotional learning, cultural responsiveness, and academic standards. Spearheaded biannual community festivals with 90%+ participation, expanding school- community trust and increasing event attendance year over year. Co-led the Problem Solving Committee to analyze behavior trends and resource allocation, guiding improvements in tiered interventions and school climate. Facilitated nine cycles of professional development for staff in differentiated instruction, inclusive classroom practices, and student engagement strategies. Played an active role in leadership hiring panels and staff onboarding, reinforcing district values and school culture.
Represented and advocated for 50 staff members during contract negotiations, facilitating communication and coordinated action during periods of operational change. Provided strategic input on digital safety and technology access to ensure student protection and equitable learning conditions during remote learning. Collaborated with leadership to mediate disputes and support legal compliance through transparent labor-management relationships.
Delivered culturally responsive instruction to over 700 students across two campuses, supporting multilingual learners and high-need populations. Organized twelve major community-facing performances, including an NHL halftime event, promoting school visibility and pride.
Created and distributed all event communications to families, improving school-home connections and increasing parent attendance.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Arts:
Music Education (2012)
DePaul University, School of Music
ACERO School Network
Interim Principal Brighton Park - Chicago, IL
September 2024 - Current
CERTIFICATIONS
Directed day-to-day operations and staff coordination for a K–8 school of 500+ students during a leadership transition, ensuring consistency in academic programming and climate. Resolved high-level student behavior and safety issues using restorative, trauma-informed, and legally sound protocols aligned with MTSS.
Audited and improved safety drills, compliance practices, and family communication plans, resulting in full alignment with CPS and state mandates. Built relationships with community partners to increase after-school participation and parent engagement in school initiatives.
Google Certified Educator
(2020)
Reid Technique:
Interviewing &
Interrogation for School
Administrators (2022)
TESOL Certification:
120 Hour Course (2020)