My name is Gwendolyn Burrel I attended DePaul University where I received a Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Master’s Degree in Education. My life’s journey did not immediately lead me down the path to education. I spent several years in corporate America working in the fields of advertising, marketing and non-profit management. Realizing that my passion was for education, I returned to school and completed a graduate degree program for teaching and learning elementary education at DePaul University.

I began my teaching career as a founding member of Catalyst-Circle Rock Charter School where I served in the capacities of classroom and mentor teacher. In September 2011, I joined the Catalyst Howland family and assumed the role of Director of Instruction. Since that time, working closely with both scholars and teachers, I have developed a solid sense of the pulse of the school and the community. As the school leader, it remains of utmost importance to me that everyone that steps through our doors, staff, scholars, families are excited to be here! This attitude enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun and nurturing environment.

It is my belief that all children can learn but each learns in a different way and at different rates. I believe that with hard work and perseverance we can touch each child in a special way. Keeping the atmosphere positive is the key to success as well as keeping the lines of communication open among staff, students, and parents. I also feel that teamwork is the ultimate way a school can be successful in reaching the goal of helping a child attain his or her full potential.