Deirdra Jackson Principal

I joined Zion Elementary School District 6 in August 2017 as an Assistant Principal at Lakeview Preschool. Prior to obtaining a position in Zion, Waukegan Community Unit School District was my professional home. I spent 12 years as a middle school English Language Arts teacher for grades 6-8. During my tenure in Waukegan, I became adept in relationship-building, teaching, and leadership. These skills are applicable today as the principal at Beulah Park Elementary School.

I am a graduate of Columbia College of Missouri, where I obtained a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration. Shortly after obtaining that degree, I made the decision to pursue a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Rockford University through an alternative certification program for teachers. After a decade into teaching, I desired to obtain my Principal Leadership certification, which was completed at Concordia University in 2017.

I am excited for what this new school year will bring. Knowing that I will be instrumental in helping to create a first school experience for many of your children makes my heart smile, and I do not take this lightly. I understand that now is the time for some of Zion’s youngest community members to develop a love for learning, reading, and attending school.

Monica Muñoz Principal

My name is Monica Muñoz, and I look forward to what will be an exciting new school year! I am originally from Chicago, where I taught and led bilingual programming in Chicago Public Schools for 18 years. I have taught all grade levels, from second through eighth, in both Spanish and English. I have been the principal of East Elementary for over five years. I am married and am a mother of two sons. I love the outdoors, traveling, and decorating my home. I also enjoy working with and learning from my colleagues, our Zion 6 families, and students. Our students at East bring me great joy, and I feel privileged to be a part of their dual-language educational experience. The work I do is centered around high academic expectations, linguistic opportunity, and, more than anything, love and respect for all.

Zachery Kraemer Principal

My name is Zack Kraemer, and it is a profound honor to serve as the Principal of Lakeview Elementary School. I am thrilled to continue my role in this position. I joined the district during the 2021-2022 school year. Before my time here, I spent seven years working as a music educator at Gavin Central Elementary School in Ingleside, Illinois. I proudly hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Illinois University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an English as a Second Language endorsement from Concordia University Chicago, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University. Currently, I am in the process of completing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership through Northern Illinois University. My wife and I reside in McHenry with our young daughter and beloved dog. 

I look forward to working together to ensure that the students at Lakeview experience a school year marked by quality instruction and great experiences.