Celebrating Principal Appreciation Month with the Principal of Dvorak School of Excellence

Principal Vauncia Allen never saw herself doing anything other than teaching. She loved every minute of being in the classroom. She loved her students and her families. The classroom was her happy place. She describes becoming an assistant principal as “stepping out on faith,” because she did not know if it was the right decision. However, becoming an assistant principal became another happy place and a role she held for more than a decade. 

She didn’t think she had any desire to become a principal. It was a gentle nudge and more faith that led her to become the principal of Dvorak School of Excellence. Now, about four years later, she confidently says that she loves what she does. Recently, after being away from her school for a day because of a meeting, the first thing she told her students when she returned was that she had missed them. 

This is Principal Allen’s 25th year in CPS, so it’s the perfect time to highlight her leadership for Principal Appreciation Month. Get to know her more below.

Has your time at Dvorak been what you expected, or has it been more unexpected? 

When I could see that I might become a principal, I actually prayed for a school on the West Side, because I was born and bred on the West Side and still reside here. I needed to familiarize myself with North Lawndale more, but it wasn’t a huge shift. Kids are kids. They might have different backgrounds and experiences, but, as a principal, your mindset can remain stable and consistent because you are always focusing on what is best for the kids. 

As an assistant principal, you had a great relationship with your principal. What is your approach to building a similarly strong relationship with both your AP and the other members of your team? 

My assistant principal is phenomenal. I love my entire administrative team to pieces because they are not “yes people.” They push my thinking and help me grow. We have collaborative discussions, and, even when we disagree, we know that this comes from wanting what is best for the students. In my first two years here, I focused on climate and culture, as well as building relationships. I am very proud of how far we’ve come; it feels like a family here. 

What are some of your goals for this school year? 

Something that was keeping me up at night was that my students seemed to be living for the present rather than also living for the future. I wasn’t sure if they were seeing what else was out there past eighth grade or past high school. In response, we have been making changes to increase student voice and make things more student-centered. We’ve also used social-emotional learning to help students be more proactive in solving conflicts. And, academically, we want to increase student discourse. 

You recently participated in the CPS Department of Principal Quality’s (DPQ) professional learning community (PLC) focused on contract renewal. How did it go?

I am riding high. My contract was renewed already! Even though I have my next contract, I am also focusing on helping my Local School Council get stronger and stronger. Jasmine from DPQ is amazing, and the PLC was a big help. I feel like being humble and making it clear that I love being at Dvorak and want to be its principal were critical as well. 

Your contract takes you through 2030. What is your vision for the 2030 version of Dvorak? 

I want it to still be a place where you feel joy, see smiles, and know that it has a very familial atmosphere. At the same time, I see my students being better prepared to succeed in high school and beyond. I also think they will be more willing to advocate for themselves, not only socially, but academically as well. 

Is there anything you’d like to tell your students? 

Focus on the mile you’re in, and remember that forward is a pace. Keep moving forward and make sure that you maintain the stamina to do so. You are loved and cared for at Dvorak, and we are all here to support you.