Illinois Assistant Principal Of The Year Is Andrew's Abir Othman

TINLEY PARK, IL — Abir Othman, the associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park, has been named the 2020 Illinois Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association and Horace Mann insurance company, according to a news release from Consolidated High School District 230.

Othman is a 22-year veteran in education, having spent 17 of those years in District 230 previously as associate principal of student services and dean of students at Andrew and head dean of students at Stagg High School.

"Helping others is really what I am meant to do," Othman said in a "What's Your Story" video shared by the district below.

“There are numerous competencies and attributes principals must possess to be effective instructional leaders including being a visionary, putting the needs of others first, having effective communication, showing empathy and compassion, creating strong relationships, celebrating student and teacher success, and being a resource for students, teachers and parents.”

District 230 Superintendent Dr. James Gay calls Othman "a champion for all students" as she "cultivates opportunities for them to find their true gifts and contribute them to the school community and the greater world.”

“Abir can be found mentoring students and staff, developing and implementing curriculum, and modeling what it means to care about the experiences, needs, and dreams of each person in the school community.”