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Dawn McCray is the principal of Arbor View Elementary School. Anyone who works with McCray will often hear her refer to the students as “her babies” because when they are at school with her, she cares for them like they are her own kids.
“When you drop them off with me, I will do everything that I would want someone to do for my children,” she said. “I’m always going to do what is best for the children. That’s at the core of who I am.”
Prior to being named the Arbor View principal in July 2023, McCray was an assistant principal in Valley View School District 365 for six years. She was a second-grade teacher for eight years in Romeoville and Joliet.
McCray earned her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and began her career working in a laboratory. When her son was born, she left the lab and began substitute teaching. She had long considered a teaching career; when McCray was a high school student, an influential administrator had encouraged McCray to pursue a career in education and nominated her for a Golden Apple teacher preparation award.
When McCray began substitute teaching, it immediately rekindled her love of working with young learners. She returned to school and earned her master’s degree and teaching license from the University of St. Francis. She later earned a second master’s degree (in educational leadership) and an administrative endorsement from Lewis University.
McCray wants to be a partner with Arbor View families.
“If there is something they feel they need, they can reach out to me,” McCray said. “I take their thoughts, recommendations, questions, and concerns seriously. I want to work with families to get the best education possible for Arbor View students.”
McCray and her husband have two children, a son attending Illinois State University and a daughter in high school.
Contact Dawn McCray:
(630) 469-5505
Arbor View Administrative Assistant: Jaclyn Ackerman email
