Waukegan Community Unit School School District Superintendent Theresa Plascencia has been recognized with the National Champions of Equity Award by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS).

Superintendent Plascencia received the honor during ALAS’s annual summit in Washington D.C. on October 9. ALAS annually recognizes educators across the nation during its Gala and Awards Dinner. She was one of five Superintendents in the nation recognized with the National Champions of Equity Award in part for being a voice for superintendents during a time of crisis. Ms. Plascencia spoke nationally about how the ongoing pandemic has exposed educational inequities, while sharing strategies and concerns with colleagues across the nation. 

“Ms. Plascencia spoke of the need for communities to have compassionate and bold conversations about how to work together as a community,” said Dr. Maria Armstrong, Executive Director of ALAS. “In the midst of everything that was going on she gave selflessly when called upon to speak on behalf of her students, parents, teachers, administrators and her board. Theresa works tirelessly and is very deserving of this award.”

Ms. Plascencia was one of five Champions of Equity awardees, and one of 18 educators and legislators recognized during ALAS’s Leadership Awards Gala.  

“I’m extremely grateful for this honor, and humbled to be recognized alongside men and women I admire. This recognition is indicative of the amazing work our staff is doing to help ensure we are providing our students comfortable and equitable learning environments,” said Ms. Plascencia. “This would not be possible without the effort of hundreds of staff members, and I look forward to continuing our work moving forward.”