Christopher House
Ken Fitzner began their work experience as an Assistant Principal at Oriole Park Elementary School in July 2007 and ended in April 2012. Ken then worked as a Principal at Audubon Elementary School from April 2012 to March 2016, where they achieved high student achievement in reading and mathematics. From April 2016 to March 2020, they served as the Principal at Reilly Elementary School, where they achieved above-average growth in language arts and mathematics and outpaced growth for EL and Spanish student groups. In March 2020, they worked at Chicago Public Schools in Network 4. Ken then substituted as an 8th Grade Science Teacher at LISLE CUSD 202 SCHOOL DISTRICT from October 2020 to February 2021. From February 2021 to August 2021, they taught Middle School Science as a long-term substitute at Niles Elementary School District 71. Ken then worked as a 6th Grade Teacher for Science at Distinctive Schools from August 2021 to October 2022. Ken'smost recent role was as a Middle School STEAM teacher at Christopher House starting in October 2022. Ken will begin working as a Summer CTD (Center for Talent Development) Teacher Assistant at Northwestern University in June 2023.
Ken Fitzner obtained a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, General from Northeastern Illinois University between 2003 and 2005. Ken also received a Certification in Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In 2018-2019, they participated in the Chicago Principal Fellowship Program at Northwestern University.
Christopher House
Christopher House's family of schools provides low-income children and their parents with high-quality education programs that prepare them for success in school, the workplace, and life. Christopher House’s unique, proven model of education, from birth through high school, levels the playing field for low-income children. We partner with families to provide a continuum of schools serving infant, preschool, elementary, high school, and adult students, as well as support services that create stable, self-sufficient families. Our centers are nationally renowned and have earned the highest ratings in the City of Chicago. High standards and a commitment to continuous quality improvement are the driving force behind all of our work. We group our programs into four schools: Infant and Pre-School, Elementary School, After-School, and Parent School. We focus on each child’s overall growth and development which has a positive, measurable impact on their ability to succeed. Understanding that educating the child is not enough, we also provide supportive services to the entire family that help build stability and self-sufficiency. We serve over 5,000 children and family members every year through our five sites on Chicago’s north and west sides.