Dr. Amber Henderson is a veteran educator and administrator with over 18 years of experience. She currently serves as the Principal of Marya Yates Elementary School in Matteson, IL. Prior to that she’s held roles as the Principal of King Arts in Evanston/Skokied, Assistant Principal of Roberto Clemente High School, and Assistant Principal of Harold Washington Elementary School (K-8). Before serving in administration, Dr. Henderson taught English at the high school level in neighborhood high schools on Chicago’s south and west side. In her current role, Dr. Henderson is focused on improving the culture and climate at Yates while simultaneously improving student outcomes through data-driven, equity-based instruction. Dr. Henderson describes herself as a leader who is committed to building school communities where high expectations for student and adult learning are systemically supported at all levels. Dr. Henderson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She was awarded her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She earned her Doctoral Degree in Urban Education Leadership from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
During her teaching and leadership career, Dr. Henderson has successfully improved the culture and climate in her previous schools by engaging students, staff, and families to develop an environment conducive to learning. Furthermore, she is a strong instructional leader with experience in building systems that foster school success. She has effectively implemented restorative practices in an elementary school and a high school where she has served as assistant principal. During her spare time, Dr. Henderson serves as an Adjunct Professor at Roosevelt Univeristy where she teaches courses supporting pre-service teachers. Dr. Henderson also serves as a leadership coach with Aspire, a leadership program designed through a partnership with the Univserity of Illinois-Chicago and Teach for America.
Dr. Henderson is elated to join the 2nd cohort of Black Prinicpal’s Network as she continues to passionately serve in education by learning alongside leaders who look like her. She is honored to join a talented cohort and team of esteemed educators and is confident this next feather in her cap will continue to impact student educational outcomes through the teachers and students she serves across multiple settings.
Dr. Amber S. Henderson | Principal at Marya Yates Elementary in Matteson, IL