Rocio del Castillo

Dr. Rocio del Castillo- Perez has served for over 20 years in both public and private school systems. Dr. del Castillo began her journey as a school psychologist in Peru and has dedicated her professional career to being an advocate for educational equity and social justice. She completed training as a clinical and school psychologist at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia before beginning her career in the American education system. She holds a master’s degree in special education from Quincy University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University-Chicago, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Aurora University. Rocio currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Special Services in Huntley Community School District 158; a role focused on ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, is welcome, respected, and provided with the resources needed to succeed in school. This is a fitting role for someone who is committed to social justice and doing her part to help create a society that is inclusive and equitable for all. She comes to this position having served in curriculum leadership, elementary and middle school building administration, coaching, and special education teaching roles in several districts in the greater Chicago area. Last year she spearheaded the Huntley Community School District Equity Action Coalition, working with fellow educators, staff, parents and board members to build a multi-year plan to promote, develop, and support equitable practices and policies for a safe and inclusive school community system. Dr. del Castillo continues to contribute to education and equity work in multiple ways. She has presented at multiple national and international conferences to share the results of her research in the area of dual language and educational equity. She is a professor at Northern Illinois University and St. Francis University, teaching multiple classes related to multilingual education and inclusive practices. She has co-authored her first book, Teaching Reading in Spanish: A Culturally Relevant Leveling System for Multilinguals Learners, which will come out in 2022 by Rowland and Littefield. In addition, Rocio has been a guest speaker on several episodes of BAM! Radio with Larry Ferlazzo, speaking on issues of culturally relevant education and equity. She has collaborated with several publications including Education Week and ILASCD Magazine and was a contributing author in The New Teacher’s Guide to Ten Common Challenges, Curated Advice from Award-Winning Teachers by Routledge. Rocio was honored to receive the 2020 award from the Northwest Herald as a McHenry Woman of Distinction. The Women of Distinction Award is presented to women who have been chosen as representative role models and leaders in their fields and communities. In addition, she serves on several boards and committees, including the Community Foundation for McHenry County, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Children’s Theatre of Elgin / Fox Valley Theatre Company, The Illinois Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents, The Illinois Division of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (IDDEL), and the National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA). Rocio is proud to be a third-generation teacher in her family and to promote the power of education to transform lives. She is also proud of her Peruvian roots and her immigration story from Lima, Peru. Rocio lives with her husband Joel, kids Nicolas, 19, Isabella, 16, and dogs Canelo and Bruno in Crystal Lake, Illinois.