A resident of Chicago, Illinois, Suzana Ustabecir has been an educator for more than two decades, including serving as the principal of Harriet E. Sayre Language Academy, starting in 2009. In this position, Suzana Ustabecir oversaw the instructional and operational functions of the academic program. She moved the school from Level 2 to Level 1 Chicago Public School status within her first three years, a ranking that she maintained throughout her time with the academy. Her work with math and English instruction teams culminated in positive student outcomes, as measured by NWEA math and reading assessments and the ACCESS assessment. She also established behavior management interventions that reduced suspensions by 50 percent.
Ms. Ustabecir was also integral to increasing students' access to technology by adding 30 interactive instructional media carts, 10 mobile iPads, seven mobile Chromebook pads, and two laptop labs, resulting in a 1:1 device-to-student ratio. She also worked with architects, contractors, and engineers to make considerable upgrades to classrooms and network infrastructure, and to create safe areas for recess. She served as principal until 2016, when she became an instructional effectiveness specialist for Chicago Public Schools.
In addition to her current work as a specialist, Ms. Ustabecir is a member of the organization New Leaders for New Schools. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and baking.