Title: Instructional Coach
Company: Evanston/Skokie School District 65
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Vanessa Montoya, instructional coach at Evanston/Skokie School District 65, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in education.
With more than two decades of experience to her credit, Dr. Montoya has found much success in the field of education. Since 2020, she has excelled as an instructional coach for Evanston/Skokie School District 65, part of Chicago Public Schools. In this position, she imparts her expertise in English as a Second Language, bilingual education, and reading specialization to fellow educators. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her work, where she helps teachers better learn how to teach, ensuring they are equipped with culturally diverse curricula that reflect the rich tapestry of their students’ backgrounds.
In addition to her present post, Dr. Montoya has been active as an adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University since 2008, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring educators. She has previously worked as a dual language teacher for fifth grade at U-46 from 2016 to 2018 and a district bi-literacy coach for Community School District 99 from 2018 to 2020. Earlier in her career, she served as a middle school Spanish ENCORE teacher at Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 from 2012 to 2014 and a bilingual reading resource teacher at Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit School District #116 from 2014 to 2016. Dr. Montoya’s professional journey began as a teacher in Mundelein Elementary School District 75 from 2003 to 2011 and as a language education teacher in Barrington 220 School District from 2008 to 2009.
To support her ambitions within her field, Dr. Montoya initially pursued an education at Roosevelt University, from which she earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a minor in Spanish in 2003. She continued her studies with a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction at Concordia University in 2005, coursework in English grammar, linguistics, and language development at Adam State University in 2006, and a Master of Arts in Spanish language and literature from National Louis University in 2006. She ultimately concluded her academic efforts at Walden University in 2021, graduating with a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration. Dr. Montoya further obtained certifications from the Illinois State Board of Education including in bilingual education in 2003, classroom teaching in 2003, and foreign language teaching in 2004.
Dr. Montoya’s personal experiences have profoundly shaped her professional ventures. Overcoming challenges as a second language learner and a survivor of domestic abuse have fueled her determination to succeed. Her perseverance is rooted in the inspiration she drew from her grandfather and the adversity she faced as a single teenage mother working two full-time jobs while pursuing her education. These experiences have driven her to become the educator she never had, motivated by a desire to support students who face similar struggles.
Dr. Montoya’s contributions extend beyond the classroom through civic involvement with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and St. Alphonsus Church since 2003. These volunteer efforts reflect her commitment to community service and underscore her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her.
Dr. Montoya’s accolades include being recognized as the Female Educator/Representative of the Year by The International Society of Female Professionals in 2022. She is also proud to have received Teacher of the Year honors in both 2005 and 2010. Her membership with The International Society of Female Professionals and the National Education Association further highlights her standing within the educational community.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Montoya aspires to continue advancing professional development opportunities for educators while taking on more administrative roles within Chicago Public Schools. She hopes to be remembered as someone who persevered against all odds, embodying the belief that anything can be achieved through determination and resilience—a legacy she continues through her children, Kassandra S. Hopp and William M. Hopp Jr., who are following their own educational paths inspired by their mother’s example.
For more information, please visit:
Who’s Who of Professional Women
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