Theresa Plascencia

As a first generation college graduate raised by her grandparents, Ms. Theresa Plascencia is no stranger to various obstacles students face while pursuing their education.

Since childhood, Ms. Plascencia has lived by the words instilled by her grandfather, who would say: “when we only take from society and not give anything back, there will be nothing left to harvest for the future.” As a result, Plascencia has made social activism and equity the key focus of her educational career, with an emphasis on providing all students with the tools they need to be successful in society.

Ms. Plascencia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, History and Juvenile Justice from DePaul University, and her Master’s in Education Leadership from Loyola University. She is currently a doctorate candidate in the Education Leadership program at National-Louis University.

Ms. Plascencia joined Waukegan Public Schools as Superintendent in 2016. Prior to that she worked at Chicago Public Schools, where she most recently served as the Executive Director of High School Programs, Designs and Supports. Previously, she served as the Chief of Network 7 in CPS, where she oversaw 29 schools with nearly 17,500 students. Her other administrative roles included a successful stint as Principal of Farragut Career Academy at an inner city school located on the West Side of Chicago.

Ms. Plascencia has recently received an Equity Award from ATLAS, and sits on its Advisory Policy Committee, where she helps influence national policy. She also sits on the National Advisory Committee for the Men of Color Education in Leadership.