The Benefit of Being a Superintendent of a Small, Diverse School Community

Bhavna Sharma-Lewis, Ph.D currently serves as Superintendent of Schools in Diamond Lake District 76 which is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She is an experienced educator with 29 years of service in public education, having worked as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and superintendent. Dr. Sharma-Lewis received her Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and serves as an adjunct professor at Concordia University. 

 

She earned her National Superintendent Certification from the American Association of School Administrators, and was elected by her peers to represent and advocate for the Northern Illinois region as a Governing Board Member for AASA. She currently serves on various local and state level boards to foster collegiality, collaboration and professional development among her colleagues and peers. She also serves as a mentor for aspiring Superintendents on a state and national level. She prioritizes enhancing healthy professional cultures and building teacher leadership to optimize student success.

 

Community Liaison 

 

 #Sparkle On is a mindset

What are some mental health challenges facing your students, families and staff right now?

 

How is mental health currently addressed in your schools?

 

What are some limitations to addressing mental health the way you'd like to?

 

Your district supports both student achievement and student mental health initiatives. Why is there such a strong link?

 

How do you envision a thriving school community?

 

What would you hear and observe in a healthy school community?