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Steven Isoye ’95, the 1998 Concordia Alumnus of the Year, recently was named the 2010–2011 Horace Mann/Illinois Principal Association Principal of the Year—an honor landing him recognition in Washington, DC, as one of the nation’s top high school principals.

The recognition is based his work at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Ill., where he moved the school’s diverse population in positive directions including introducing a problem-based learning approach that stimulated greater student ownership of their learning.

“Receiving my master’s in curriculum and instruction (from CUC) helped me shift my understanding of curriculum and it sharpened my vision. It helped to lay a solid foundation that was easily built upon.” — Steven Isoye

“I was truly honored to be recognized by my peers with this award,” Isoye said. In his 25 years in high school education, Isoye also has been recognized with many honors including 1998 Illinois Teacher of the Year through the “Those Who Excel” program, the prestigious1997 Milken Foundation National Educator Award and the 2006 Jackson Scholarfrom Northern Illinois University.

“Concordia University Chicago played a large part in the direction I’ve taken in my career,” he said. “Receiving my master’s in curriculum and instruction helped me shift my understanding of curriculum and it sharpened my vision. It helped to lay a solid foundation that was easily built upon.”

With this sharpened vision, Isoye now leads Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 as superintendent.

“While I do miss teaching, I know that I am benefitting all 3,200 students here. I am always trying to find ways to better serve our students and fulfill the mission of OPRF—to provide a superior education to every student so they may achieve their full human potential.

"Sometimes changes come fast, others are slower. It’s much like turning a ship on a dime. Sometimes the bigger challenges are cultural shifts that happen slowly due to student buy-in. We are actively trying to close the gaps in how we serve our students academically and that doesn’t happen overnight.”

Isoye started his career as a biology and chemistry teacher and has worked in both private and public schools. He teaches science through a “constructivist” method of scientific study in which students analyzed material while the educator serves as more of a guide than as the provider of information.

He has held positions as chair of the science department as well as curriculum leader at various schools in addition to his administrative roles. Currently, Isoye serves on the board of trustees as chairman for the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora, Ill.

“Looking within the organization is a starting place. We have full access to great ideas—it’s a matter of focus and concentrating our efforts to maximize the benefits to our students."