This blog highlights some of my most significant accomplishments as a school leader. I am honored to serve students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the broader community in this role. I believe schools should spark curiosity through real-world relevance, helping students make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them. My vision for 21st-century education is to bring innovative, progressive, and transformative ideas to every school I support while sharing effective practices with other institutions striving for meaningful change. I take great pride in my work and find fulfillment in seeing the impact of dedication and effort in both education and practice.
As Assistant Principal at Lane Tech College Preparatory High School, one of the nation’s largest, most diverse, and highest-performing schools, I bring 13 years of leadership experience and a background in Computer Science and Fine Arts to my role. My leadership philosophy centers on personalized learning through technology, empowering each student to discover their unique genius. I believe effective leadership is essential for innovative schools, and I am committed to creating dynamic learning environments that prioritize creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. I champion the integration of technology to amplify core educational elements, fostering deeper learning and stronger connections between conventional and revolutionary instruction.
At Lane Tech, I have led the transformation of multiple academic departments, making the school a national leader in innovation and student success. I built the largest and most successful high school computer science department in the country, growing it from a single course with one teacher to a robust program with 14 teachers and 15 unique courses. This expansion has shattered stereotypes about who can be a computer scientist, ensuring a diverse and inclusive program that prepares students for the future. In the math department, I spearheaded initiatives to close the achievement gap for underperforming students by implementing targeted instructional strategies and professional development, leading to measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Beyond STEM, I have redefined how world languages are taught by shifting the philosophy to comprehensible input, prioritizing listening and speaking skills to build true language fluency. I have also driven the integration of technology into traditional subjects like art and music, ensuring that all students engage with modern tools that enhance creativity and learning. In physical education, I led a shift away from team sports to a focus on lifelong fitness, wellness, and healthy habits, fostering a culture where students develop personal health goals and an active lifestyle. Through these initiatives, I have reshaped Lane Tech’s academic landscape, making it a model of excellence and innovation across disciplines.
I have also forged partnerships with a wide range of companies, universities, and vendors—both large and small—to bring cutting-edge innovations and best practices to Lane Tech. My collaboration with Apple led to the release of their new iPad from our school in 2018, highlighting Lane Tech as a leader in educational technology. Through partnerships with organizations such as Google, National Geographic, MIT, Harvard, and UIC, I have worked tirelessly to provide students with transformative learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These opportunities have not only broadened students’ horizons but have also led to remarkable achievements, including top honors in national competitions like the science fair and acceptances into the most prestigious universities in the country.
My other work includes redesigning learning spaces into state-of-the-art labs where students engage in real-world scenarios, inquiry-based learning, and online collaboration. I am passionate about creating opportunities for all students, especially minorities underrepresented in technology, challenging perceptions and stereotypes. My most successful projects have involved designing innovative, challenging courses that empower students to recognize their potential. In today’s creative age, I strive to develop learning environments where the intersection of Science and Art fosters 21st-century learning and a collaborative, challenge-based curriculum.
Damir Ara Online Portfolio 