Joliet West Needs New Principal: Gibson To Teach In Fall

JOLIET, IL — After spending the past 13 years as the Joliet West High School Principal, Teresa Gibson will return to the classroom to teach in the fall, school officials announced Wednesday.

Gibson will continue her duties and responsibilities until the end of the current school year.

“I am under no illusion that teaching is easier than being the principal, but I’m hopeful that by making this change, I will have more to give to my family as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and cousin,” Gibson said in Wednesday's news release.

Gibson began her career at West as a teacher in 1993 before moving into various leadership roles including Title 1 Coordinator, District Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

As an instructional leader, Gibson has been involved in many district initiatives, including her leadership in expanding the district’s Advanced Placement program, resulting in the College Board’s Advanced Placement District of the Year Award in 2017.

“Dr. Gibson has worked tirelessly to improve the educational programs in our school and district,” Superintendent Karla Guseman said. “I am thankful for her years of dedicated leadership, and I have no doubt that our students at Joliet West will continue to benefit from her commitment and years of expertise in providing the highest quality teaching and learning.”

School officials said that Gibson’s announcement of returning to the classroom allows time for the district to begin the principal selection process, which will include input from staff, parents, students, and community.