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Faculty Focus: February 2024
In her seventh year at Fenwick, Mrs. Ieremia is the first female principal in school history.
What is your educational background?
CI: I have a degree in Mathematics Education from Illinois State University.
CI: I have a degree in Mathematics Education from Illinois State University.
What did you do prior to becoming an administrator at Fenwick?
CI: I started as a math teacher in the fall of 2007 at St. Joseph High School. After five years of teaching I became the Dean of Students and then the Assistant Principal. I came to Fenwick as the Dean of Students in the Fall of 2017, and the rest is history.
What are you currently reading for enjoyment?
CI: Currently there is not a lot of spare/free time between my work and my family. My time reading for enjoyment is usually spent reading with my eight-year-old son, Eli. We are into all things Marvel these days, especially Spiderman and the Spider-Verse - really anything with Miles Morales.
CI: Currently there is not a lot of spare/free time between my work and my family. My time reading for enjoyment is usually spent reading with my eight-year-old son, Eli. We are into all things Marvel these days, especially Spiderman and the Spider-Verse - really anything with Miles Morales.
What interests do you pursue outside of school?
CI: My husband and I both have large extended families that live near us and we spend a lot of time with family. We also enjoy going to the gym together and playing sports with our kiddos. Right now I am teaching my daughter softball and volleyball skills, and my son basketball. We are loving it!
To what teams and/or clubs did you belong as a student?
CI: I loved playing sports in high school. I played volleyball, basketball and softball for my high school. I also played travel softball over the summer and club volleyball in the winter. I was starting the recruiting process for college volleyball when I fractured my lower back and therefore did not pursue collegiate level sports.
What quality/characteristic marks a Fenwick student?
CI: Hard-working, dedicated and spirited. I have never seen another group of students be so dedicated to their school and show up for everything!
What challenges face students today?
CI: Social media and how easy it is to access almost anything. Social media has its positives, but truly it has created such a negative environment for young people. Students can't just enjoy being a kid, they are way more focused on perception and "one-upping each other." It is such a distraction from actual life and just enjoying themselves while they can.
When did you decide to enter the education field and why?
CI: Growing up, one of my favorite games was playing school and it's just something that always stuck with me. I actually enjoyed Math in grade school and high school. When it came time to apply to college, I applied as a Secondary Math teacher to Illinois State, which is well known for its education program.
What personal strengths do you find especially helpful in working in a leadership role at school?
CI: I am what I would refer to as a "doer." I am very dedicated to my job and confident in my abilities. If I see a problem or a need I am usually the first to jump in to fix it or help. However, I don't jump to conclusions or rush to make decisions. I am thoughtful and diligent.
What is the greatest success you have had in your career?
CI: Generally, building relationships with students and watching them become successful adults. Having students reach out years later in life and reminisce about their experience in my class or something I told them that stayed with them is amazing. It fills my spirit to know I (we as educators) can and do make a difference.
Specifically, the thing I am most proud of in my career is that after initially applying to be a teacher at St. Joe's in the fall of 2007, I have never truly "applied" for another job. I have held 5 administrative titles and didn't "apply" for any of them. Each promotion was based on my hard work and dedication and being selected by my peers and/or my supervisor to be promoted - 17 years in Catholic Education and I am extremely proud to be the first female Principal of Fenwick High School.
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