Tim Bouman

Tim has worked in education for nearly thirty years, teaching at every level from preschool through Community College (but mostly high school, and mostly ESL and English). He taught at schools in Indiana, Ukraine, his native New York City, and Tanzania before moving to Chicago in 2005. He spent eleven years at North Lawndale College Prep Charter High School, five years as an English teacher and Department Chair, one year as an AP, and five years as its Principal. Following a two-year stint as an Instructional Coach, Tim began his current position as Head of School/Principal at Walther Christian Academy in Melrose Park, IL in 2019. Tim earned his BA at Penn, his MA in TESOL at Columbia University Teachers College, and a Masters in Educational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago.

Tim is passionate about closing the achievement gap, and preparing all students for successful completion of college. In working around the globe and in many different American contexts, Tim has spent a lot of time exploring the disparities of educational opportunities depending on so many social and economic factors. One real bright spot has been the full implementation of interdisciplinary, project-based learning at an inner-city Chicago school.

When not at school, Tim is an avid marathon runner and an ever-hopeful Cubs fan. His wife, Erin, is a Lutheran pastor and they have two college-aged children. They live in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood.