Jarred Maddox, assistant principal of student services, is specifically known to help out the community and ensure the improvement of Independence High School.
To start off, Mr. Maddox graduated from Lake Zurich High School and proceeded to college in hopes to become a physical therapist. However, during Calculus 2 in college, he realized he didn’t have the passion to continue that path because “[His] natural inclination was more towards the humanities, like [his] English.” He later attended the University of Kentucky, but he returned home after a tragic event to help his family. He completed his studies at Indiana University and graduated in 1997.
He earned a degree in English Education, along with a degree in Marketing Business and Educational Leadership. He worked in advertising for five years in Los Angeles before deciding to become a teacher. What led him to change his career was that he didn’t feel fulfilled with his job, so he wanted to work on something he could enjoy. He has dedicated 24 years in education and is currently in his fourth year working at IHS. Previously, he taught English, AP Lit, and was a Student council advisor. At his former school, Sunnyslope, Principal Mr. Parker guided and motivated him, eventually helping him get a position as an administrator at IHS.
He states, “I thank God I was placed here, I really enjoy it,”
Mr. Maddox always tends to praise the hard work of others, and offers support for their success. This school year, he has seen many new improvements at IHS; moreover, he mentions how every single winter sport got into some aspect of playoffs and all clubs and activities have improved overall. He also observed that teachers have improved in terms of work and organization, as well as attendance in students. He feels like his job gets back to him when he sees other students succeed, giving him a sense of support. He is always trying to prioritize others and lead them to success. For example, he is currently a mentor for a young lady and is assuring that she can graduate.
“Sometimes you just need someone to support, listen, and prioritize with you,” he mentions.
The most challenging aspect of his job is discipline because he has to manage the different perspectives of students, teachers, and parents, so not everyone is going to end up satisfied. Despite this, he is committed to improving IHS by building relationships with teachers, and guiding counseling, academic planning, and testing to ensure students’ success. This desire is driven by his personal experience to seek happiness and satisfaction in his career before becoming a teacher.
From his personal experience, the advice he gives is, “Follow your heart… it’s just that easy, you got to listen to your gut.”
