Sala Sims is an educator with over 13 years experience as both a teacher and an administrator. Sala is the founding principal of the Catalyst Schools—Circle Rock Charter. Passionate about education reform, she received her principal training as a resident of the New Leaders for New Schools’ principal preparation program. Also a National Board Certified Teacher and an Illinois Master Teacher, she taught grades K–8 during the seven years that sheserved as a classroom teacher within the Chicago Public Schools.

A graduate of Whitney Young High School, a Chicago Public School, Sala went on to receive her bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master’s of urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a masters of education from DePaul University. An avid and life-long learner, she completed a certificate of advanced study in administration and supervision from National Louis University.

Deanna English grew up on the North Side of Chicago and is a product of the Chicago Public Schools. She received her bachelor’s degree in business and education from the University of Montana and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. Deanna has held multiple positions in education serving as a teacher for 35 years, as well as a principal and, currently, as founding assistant principal at the Catalyst Schools—Circle Rock Charter.

Katherine List grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri. She moved to Chicago in 2002 to broaden her career and pursue a higher degree in elementary education. Katherine has been a professional educator for the past decade. She has been honored to serve as a second–sixth grade teacher in the course of her career. In 2007, during the incubation phase of the Catalyst Schools—Circle Rock Charter, she was hired as lead teacher and curriculum coordinator, positions she continues in today. As lead teacher she supports teachers and helps build instructional capacity, leading to higher student achievement at Circle Rock Charter. Katherine received a BA in educational psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia (2001). She received her MEd from National Louis University (2004). She has completed several courses towards her doctoral degree in educational leadership. She continues to strive for excellence within the field of education.