Oscar Hawthorne has served youth in suburban Chicago, Illinois for 33 years as a teacher, principal, and district leader.  For seven years, Mr. Hawthorne was Deputy Superintendent for North Chicago School District 187 where he supervised six principals (PreK - 12), and was responsible for school improvement, leadership development, and operations. Before that position, he served as principal at Streamwood High School, Evanston Township High School, and Proviso West High School.

Mr. Hawthorne’s core beliefs were formed by his experiences growing up in Flint, Michigan. His mother was a teacher and his father was an auto worker. Together, they instilled in him the essential reason for getting an education; to have choices in life. This has framed Mr. Hawhorne’s desire to continue to support schools in high-leverage areas such as leadership mentoring, the hiring of school administrators, parent advocacy, and mentoring for boys where he has a depth of experience. 

Mr. Hawthorne earned his undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education from Kentucky State University (B.A.), a graduate degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University (M.A.), and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University (Ed.S.). He recently completed three years on the Board of Directors for the North Chicago Public Education Foundation and is committed to faith-based work. Mr. Hawthorne enjoys community service, hiking, traveling abroad, and spending time with his two adult children and grandson.