Michelle Willis assumed the principalship of Gillespie Elementary School in Chicago in 2007. Prior to being selected principal of Nia Middle and Foundations Elementary Schools in 2004, Willis served as a teacher, reading specialist, and assistant principal. An award-winning school leader, Michelle has transformed three schools on probation, including Gillespie, which is now a model school for technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, two Masters Degrees in Education – Teaching of Reading and Educational Administration from Chicago State University and a Doctorate of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University in Chicago.