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Principal Nicholas Baird

Mr. Nicholas Baird is beginning his new role as the principal at Ellis Middle School beginning with the 2024-25 school year. With nearly 16 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, dean, and administrator, Mr. Baird is committed to promoting academic success and providing social and emotional support for all students. 

Mr. Baird has been in U-46 his entire educational career and is a U-46 graduate. 

Since 2017, Mr. Baird has served as the assistant principal at Ellis Middle School. His priority has been to grow social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and create a respectful educational space.

Before joining Ellis Middle School, Mr. Baird was at Streamwood High School. He was a Dean of Students from 2013 to 2017, a Special Education Teacher from 2011 to 2013, and an In-School Intervention Coordinator from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he coordinated 504 Plans, significantly reduced referrals and suspension days, and oversaw some of the school’s extracurricular activities. He also developed and implemented differentiated lesson plans that enhanced student comprehension and participation. 

Mr. Baird is known as a leader who is never too busy to answer questions, visit a classroom, or lend professional support to staff. 

Mr. Baird earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a second bachelor’s degree in political science, both at Northern Illinois University. He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership at Concordia University. He holds an ELL endorsement from Northern Illinois University and an LBS 1 certification from Roosevelt University.