Carmel Cottrell

For nearly 25 years, administrator and teacher Carmel Cottrell has played an integral role in Illinois public education, serving in a wide range of capacities for schools and organizations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. As President of the Schaumburg Education Association (SEA) from 2009 to 2011, Cottrell remained strongly committed to upholding a high standard of education in each of the schools in Community Consolidated School District 54, which serves more than 14,000 students. Prior to her election as President, she spent three years as Vice President. During her time at the SEA, she focused her energy on various issues related to budget, negotiations, contracts, and continuing professional development. Concurrent with her duties for the SEA, Cottrell served as Treasurer of the Illinois Education Association, Region 35; Accreditation Team Representative and Learning Technology Facilitator for School District 54; and Adjunct Professor at Roosevelt University's College of Education, among other positions. Recognized in Illinois and beyond for her work as an administrator, Cottrell earned several awards during her tenure with the SEA, including Schaumburg Township Elementary School Foundation grants, VFW Illinois Teacher of the Year, and Schaumburg VFW Teacher of the Year. Over the course of her career, Cottrell has also been nominated for an Illinois Golden Apple Award, the Schaumburg Volunteer of the Year Award, and Disney’s American Teacher Award. Earlier in her career, Carmel Cottrell worked as Assistant Principal for Bloomingdale School District 13, a teacher in School District 54, and, as a Doctoral Intern, an Assistant Principal at James B. Conant High School. A 2002 graduate of Roosevelt University, she holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change. Cottrell’s other degrees and distinctions include a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership Administration and Supervision, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education, and Type 75 and 03 certifications from National Louis University. At present, Carmel Cottrell resides in Schaumburg.