Meet the Administrators
Jill Howard, Principal
I am extremely excited to be a part of the Cronin team, and I enjoy working closely with the students, staff, and families at Troy Cronin.
I’d like to take this opportunity to share a little information about myself. I grew up in the western suburbs with my parents and two older brothers. I always loved school, and I realized that I wanted to be an educator when I was in kindergarten! Learning new things, “playing school,” and working with others were always rewarding experiences for me. I was given the gift of a great education because of my excellent teachers and supportive family. My role models, both family and teachers, led me to develop my philosophy “every opportunity can be a learning experience.” My love for learning guided me through my educational career, and I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Concordia University in River Forest. I began teaching, and continued to learn by earning two master’s degrees from Benedictine University in Lisle, one in curriculum and instruction and the other in leadership and administration. I enjoy being a “forever” student, and I look forward to working with your family as we walk through your child’s educational journey.
I am currently beginning my twenty-eighth year as an educator. My career began in the parochial setting, where I taught a variety of grade levels. I worked to ensure that learning would reach beyond the classroom, as my students and I turned our classroom into a “museum,” worked with “little buddies,” and corresponded regularly with an airline pilot. I also had the opportunity to write and implement a building wide technology plan and coach basketball and volleyball. Following that, I taught third grade at Westmore Elementary School in Lombard for seven years. In addition to teaching all kinds of learners, I was the grade level team leader, chairperson of the district council for curriculum and instruction, and a sponsor for several after school clubs. Again, my students and I worked together to learn and grow, as we converted our classroom into early America, learned the “president song,” and conducted experiments such as creating “ooblek.” The next four years I had the honor of being the assistant principal at Cloverdale Elementary School in Carol Stream. At Cloverdale, I had the opportunity to work with students in all grade levels, lead the special services team, use data to drive our decision making, and work closely with the PTA. I have been blessed to work with amazing people in each of these places.
I currently reside in Shorewood with my husband and two cats. They are our “furry babies.” I love to visit Northern Minnesota because my parents have retired there and Eastern Tennessee where my husband's family lives. I also enjoy spending time with our nieces and nephews, reading, crafting, exploring the “North Woods,” and the "Great Smoky Mountains." These activities fit easily with my theme of “making every opportunity a learning experience.”
I am honored to be the principal at Troy Cronin, and I'm proud to say that I am Troy Blue! When I started our school name was Troy Crossroads, and we have since had the privilege to return to the original school name, Troy Cronin. At Cronin, we are respectful, responsible, safe and kind. The staff is dedicated, caring, friendly, and knowledgeable. We celebrate learning and the uniqueness of each student, and we value the partnerships with our families and the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
Our theme this year is "Learning is Sweet!" I look forward to the fun, exciting learning experiences that are yet to come! Working together, we can foster our students’ love of learning!
Email Mrs. Howard jhoward@troy30c.org
Nicole Richards, Assistant Principal
I am excited to join Troy Cronin’s staff this year as assistant principal. I look forward to working with the staff, students, and families of this awesome Cronin team!
I have been an educator for 19 years. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. I then began my teaching career as a kindergarten classroom teacher in New Lenox. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Reading from University of St. Francis and moved into a primary reading specialist role before returning to kindergarten as a reading specialist, all in New Lenox. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people in my career who have encouraged my leadership skills. For that reason, I completed a second Master’s degree in Educational Administration also from the University of St. Francis. I am currently writing my dissertation as I pursue my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. As you can tell- I am a lifelong learner! I seek to encourage this love of learning in the students I work with every day.
On a personal note, I live in New Lenox with my husband and two children. We enjoy camping and playing outdoors together. I like to garden even though I’m not that great at it! In what spare time I have I like to read and go for walks.
I have been blessed to work with amazing educators, students, and families. I am eager to become a part of Cronin’s learning community and work collaboratively with staff, students, and families.