Rebecca Hernandez pushes dual-language learning and family engagement in Plainfield

Rebecca Hernandez, assistant principal at Creekside Elementary School in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, is using bilingual education, instructional coaching and family partnership to support students in pre-K through fifth grade. Her profile highlights how schools can widen access through multilingual services, flexible family outreach and stronger teacher support.

Why it matters: - Rebecca Hernandez’s work centers on bilingual education, student advocacy and family engagement at a school serving pre-K through fifth grade in Plainfield, Illinois. - Her leadership reflects a broader need for schools to support diverse learners and keep families connected, even when work schedules and other responsibilities limit in-person participation. - Hernandez’s path also shows how classroom experience can inform school leadership that is focused on equity and access.

What happened: - Rebecca Hernandez serves as assistant principal at Creekside Elementary School in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. - Creekside Elementary supports dual-language programming and the BASES program for students with behavioral and social-emotional needs. - Hernandez brings 20 years of experience in education and six years in administrative roles. - She speaks English and Spanish. - A profile from Influential Women highlights her work and leadership approach. - More information is available in her Influential Women profile.

The details: - Hernandez began her career as a mathematics teacher before moving into instructional coaching, multilingual services and school leadership. - She spent 12 years with Chicago Public Schools. - She later worked in the Chicagoland suburbs in leadership and instructional roles. - Her roles included Teaching and Learning Coach and Coordinator of Multilingual Services with Valley View School District 365U. - She also served as dean of students at Glenbard East High School. - Hernandez earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago. - She holds a Middle School Math and Science Endorsement. - She also holds ESL and bilingual endorsements. - Hernandez earned two master’s degrees from Concordia University Chicago, one in Secondary Mathematics and one in Principal Preparation. - She is a member of the Illinois Principals Association and the National Association of Bilingual Educators. - Hernandez is preparing to begin a doctoral program as she works toward district-level leadership.

Between the lines: - Hernandez’s career path suggests that multilingual services and math instruction can intersect with school leadership in meaningful ways. - Her emphasis on honesty, transparency and integrity points to a leadership style built on trust and consistency. - Her view of family engagement reflects a practical shift: schools may need more flexible ways to reach families who cannot attend every event or meeting. - Her advice to young women entering education is rooted in self-belief, trust in instincts and openness to growth.

What's next: - Hernandez plans to begin doctoral study. - She aims to move into district-level educational leadership. - Her ongoing work will likely continue to focus on student support, teacher coaching and stronger school-family partnerships.

The bottom line: - Rebecca Hernandez’s profile presents a school leader focused on bilingual learning, equitable access and family engagement as core parts of student success.