Principal Sonia Ruiz Honored for Fostering Inclusion and Academic Success at Jane Addams Middle School
Sonia Ruiz, principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, Illinois, has been named the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Ruiz's leadership has been pivotal in transforming the school into one of the top 10% in the state, based on metrics such as test scores, student growth, and school climate. Her approach emphasizes inclusion and belonging, particularly for English learners and students with individualized education programs, who make up over a third of the student body. Ruiz's personal experiences as an immigrant and English learner have deeply influenced her commitment to these students. She has implemented instructional practices that prioritize comprehension and engagement, and she is working to expand English-learner certification among staff to ensure continued support despite potential federal funding cuts.