Dr. Denise S. Lynch is a bilingual education executive and advocate for holistic, student-centered reform. Originally from Guyana, she immigrated to the United States and earned a degree in Public Relations before spending over a decade in advertising, marketing, and communications. She later transitioned to education, earning a Ph.D. in educational philosophy and serving as a bilingual teacher and Title I principal.
A graduate of the New Leaders Principal Preparation Program, Dr. Lynch blends instructional leadership with policy insight and cultural fluency. Her work focuses on culturally responsive pedagogy, trauma-informed supports, and data-driven, individualized instruction. Her doctoral research examined the impact of Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) on student outcomes, emphasizing the importance of social-emotional support and program fidelity.
Dr. Lynch has led several underperforming Title I schools to measurable success by aligning school improvement strategies with Chicago Public Schools’ accountability framework. Under her leadership, schools achieved higher performance ratings and saw significant reductions in suspensions. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to equity, academic growth, and whole-child development.
In 2017–2018, she secured a competitive international grant from the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, establishing a full piano lab and curriculum at her school—demonstrating her broader vision for enriching and inclusive education.