Wideman, Keith

I have over 20 years of experience as a licensed K-12 special education teacher and administrator. My background includes ISBE/IDEA compliance, knowledge of special education laws, and best practices for K-8 students. I oversee the integration of face-to-face and blended education, providing individualized instruction and social-emotional support.

My focus is on driving student achievement and fostering collaboration among faculty and community stakeholders. I aim to utilize my expertise in instructional leadership and school administration in a challenging leadership role.

Principal - Nexus-Indian Oak Safe Harbor School - Manteno, Illinois

(2026-04)

• Implement academic programs to ensure they meet high-quality standards and state requirements. Regularly review Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and work closely with local school districts to address placements and concerns.
• Managing our department budget helps us track material purchases. Focus on recruiting and training faculty, providing mentorship through regular performance evaluations and faculty meetings.
• Creating a supportive learning environment and encouraging teachers to take part in clinical staff meetings. Prioritize safety and health while maintaining appropriate boundaries in staff-student interactions. Maintain well-staffed classrooms, offer backup support as needed, and build strong partnerships.
• Train the Nexus Indian Oaks staff in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to help our students. We actively look for grant opportunities to improve our resources. Promote professional development by attending important meetings and training sessions while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our residents.

Interim Principal - YCCS West Town Academy - Chicago, Illinois

(2025-08 - 2026-12)

• Drive the school's instructional approach using a competency-based curricular model that integrates literacy and the arts while aligning with YCCS Competency-Based Learning and Illinois State Standards. Utilize student assessment data to inform strategies and promote continuous improvement.
• Focus on essential skills for post-secondary education and career readiness, including technological literacy and career planning. Manage daily operations to ensure compliance with CPS, ISBE, and YCCS requirements related to academics, attendance, and special education.
• Lead recruitment, evaluation, and professional development for staff, encouraging cross-disciplinary training. Foster a positive school culture centered on social justice and community engagement, maintaining effective communication with students, families, and the community. Oversee blended education and provide individualized support, including social, emotional, and behavioral counseling services.

Assistant Principal - Proviso Area for Exceptional Children (SEJA 803) High School - Maywood, Illinois

(2024-08 - 2025-06)

Assisted the Principal with school administration, focusing on leadership for special education students. Served as the LEA, overseeing specially designed instruction and managing district resources in compliance with laws. Coordinated IEP meetings, conducted classroom observations, and developed remediation plans. Promoted a positive school climate, proposed schedules and activities, collaborated on budget requests, and monitored student attendance and safety inspections.

Cross-Categorical English Teacher - Bolingbrook High School - Bolingbrook, Illinois

(2022-08 - 2024-06)

Delivered Cross-Categorical English instruction to 9th and 10th-grade students with a range of learning needs. Collaborated with colleagues within content area learning teams to ensure instruction is aligned and to support school-wide initiatives.

• Held key leadership positions, including Coordinator for Extended Day Credit Recovery
• Facilitator for the Dean Shadowing Program
• Facilitator for the Equity Cohort
• Supervisor for Raider Academy Detention

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - Ulis Newton Elementary School, Clark County School District - Henderson, Nevada

(2021-10 - 2022-05)

Delivered and developed specialized instruction within an Early Childhood Special Education environment, addressing the distinct needs of young learners. Ensured the proper maintenance of all special education files and student records in accordance with district and state regulations. Oversaw academic progress and maintained regular, proactive communication with parents.

Special Education Resource Teacher - Joliet School District 86 - Sanchez Elementary School - Joliet, Illinois

(2019-08 - 2021-10)

Delivered instruction to Second through Fifth-grade students in a split class setting. Monitored and documented student progress on IEP goals, effectively communicating results to parents and IEP teams. Actively collaborated with colleagues in School Professional Learning Communities.

Principal Clinical Internship - Lewis University-Tinley Park High School - Tinley Park, Illinois

(2018-09 - 2019-05)

Participated in leadership experiences in standards-based, data-driven school administration. Completed leadership duties under the guidance of the school administration and a Lewis University faculty supervisor.

Special Education Resource Teacher - East Aurora School District 131 - East Aurora Extension Campus / Cowherd Middle School - Aurora, Illinois

(2016-08 - 2018-09)

Provided instruction in Language Arts, ESL, and Mathematics while also contributing to the school-wide attendance team. At the East Aurora Extension High School Campus, I delivered instructional content, monitored academic progress, and communicated regularly with parents. Additionally, I maintained all relevant special education data, including high school transition plans.

Special Education Teacher (Temporary) - Alain Locke Charter School - Chicago, Illinois

(2015-11 - 2016-05)

• Taught students with IEPs
• Collaborated with colleagues
• Monitored progress and communicated with parents
• Maintained student data and records

Special Education Teacher - Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, Illinois

(2008-08 - 2014-07)

• Planned and delivered instruction to students with Individual Education Plans
• Actively participate with colleagues in school professional learning teams
• Monitor academic progress and communicate with parents
• Maintain all appropriate special education files and student records

Special Education Teacher - Alfred Nobel School, Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, Illinois

Special Education Teacher - Austin Polytechnic Academy, Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, Illinois

Special Education Teacher - Harper High School, Chicago Public Schools - Chicago, Illinois

Special Education Coordinator - Galapagos Charter School - Chicago, Illinois

(2007-08 - 2008-06)

Collaborated with colleagues on school improvement and curriculum development, fostering teamwork and a positive environment. Maintained special education documentation, including IEPs, in compliance with regulations and district policies, tracked progress in academic and social-emotional goals for transparency and accountability.

Special Education Advisor - High School for Recording Arts - St. Paul, Minnesota

(2006-02 - 2007-07)

• Instruction of curriculum, class management, and Due Process case management
• Facilitated a student-produced documentary on youth homelessness in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Created and implemented a school-wide, project-based program

Educational Consultant / Fifth Grade Mathematics Teacher - Maxfield Magnet Elementary School, St. Paul Public School District - St. Paul, Minnesota

(2004-02 - 2006-02)

Developed and delivered math curriculum standards, supporting English language learners with tailored plans and differentiated instruction. As a result, my students' Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores in math increased by 15% in 2004-2005.

Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher - Spencer Math and Science Academy (CPS) - Chicago, Illinois

(2001-08 - 2003-06)

Taught 7th Grade Social Studies and conducted 3rd grade tutorials for the After School Lighthouse Program and Summer School Bridge Program

Doctoral Program - Educational Leadership, Learning and Stewardship - University of St. Francis (2026-06)

Master of Education - Educational Leadership, Special Education Administrator Endorsement - Lewis University (2014-08 - 2019-05)

Special Education Licensure - Special Education - Concordia University (2004-09 - 2007-07)

Bachelor of Arts - History (Minor in Sociology) - Gustavus Adolphus College (1992-09 - 1996-05)

Certificate - Applied Sciences - University of Illinois at Chicago (1993-07 - 1993-07)