April Capuder

Learner Profile: Risk Taker

I'd like to welcome you and your child to Brooks Middle School.  As the Principal, I'm very excited to meet all of our new 6th grade students and welcome back our 7th and 8th graders! I'm here to help in any way I can.

I began my teaching career in 1994, as a 7th grade math and science teacher. I taught for a few years and then started my family. I had the opportunity to stay home with my two daughters, Linnae and Chloe, for nine years, who are now 25 and 22 years old. In 2006, I returned to teaching and my love for guiding, supporting and challenging middle school students as they navigate through the social, emotional and academic challenges in their lives. From this time until I joined Brooks in 2014, I was a teacher of 7th grade Science or 8th Grade Math. I have endorsements to teach middle school mathematics, science, computer science, language arts and social studies. In 2011, I graduated from Concordia University with a Masters in School Leadership. From 2011-2013, I had the challenge and opportunity to work as the District Common Core Coordinator in my previous district, along with teaching 8th grade mathematics and an after-school Illinois Math and Science Academy Fusion class, leading the 8th grade teacher team and facilitating science as well as math curriculum development in the middle school building. From 2014 to 2017, I had been serving the community of Brooks Middle School in the role of 6th Grade Assistant Principal. In 2017, I was granted the honor to serve as Brooks Middle School Principal. During my tenure in D97, I participated on the team to help advise and shape the D97's vision, goals and strategic plan. I participated in this capacity because I believe it's important to have a well-defined strategic plan to guide our decision making as a district as well as at the school level. I am dedicated to the community I serve and passionate about creating environments that foster student and teacher success.  I love being a teacher and leader, where I collaborate with others to influence and challenge the ideas of children and adults alike. 

In addition to expanding minds, I enjoy spending time with my daughters, extended family and friends, as well as, reading, exercising and playing board or card games. 

I'm thrilled to serve the Oak Park students, parents and teachers!  Please do not hestitate to contact me by email or phone with questions, concerns or celebratory news!