Guest Blogger

Principal, Christian Fenger Academy High School

Chicago, Illinois

Elizabeth Dozier has been the principal of Christian Fenger Academy High School, in Chicago, since 2009. When she first took leadership, Fenger was known as one of the most violent and underperforming schools in the city. Since then, the school has seen a 18 percent decrease in the drop-out rate, an 85 percent decrease in misconduct, and a 45 increase in freshmen on track to graduate. Fenger has been highlighted by Education Week, National Public Radio, the Chicago Tribune, and several other local and international media outlets for its innovative and creative approaches to successfully addressing the complex needs of the whole child. Ms. Dozier has been invited to speak about her work at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, as well as numerous other public and business institutions. Most recently, Ms. Dozier was featured in Paul Tough’s New York Times best selling book, How Children Succeed, and in CNN’s 8-part documentary series produced by Robert Redford, Chicagoland.

Elizabeth is a nationally board certified teacher in mathematics and a graduate of the New Leaders principal preparation program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in educational leadership.