Juarez Principal Named Lake Middle School Principal of the Year

Posted on 11/19/2025

Miguel Juarez Middle School Principal Nelson Campos has been named the Illinois Principals' Association's (IPA) Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year.

The IPA annually recognizes outstanding leaders who succeed in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students, make exemplary contributions to the profession, and earn respect and acknowledgment from their peers, while demonstrating excellence across seven areas of professional leadership. As the regional winner, Mr. Campos will now be a nominee for statewide recognition in 2026.

Mr. Campos was celebrated for his ability to create a safe and supportive learning environment, his collaborative leadership style, and the positive culture he has cultivated within his school community. Nominators highlighted his empathy and his commitment to meaningful restorative practices that promote accountability while strengthening relationships.

In acknowledging the award, Mr. Campos credited the Juarez community for its partnership and support.

“This recognition reflects the incredible students, staff, and community at Juarez who inspire me every day,” Campos said. “I am truly honored and humbled to be named Middle School Principal of the Year.”

Superintendent Theresa Plascencia commended Mr. Campos for his dedication and the positive momentum he has helped build at Juarez.

“We are incredibly proud of Nelson and delighted to see his leadership recognized in this way,” said Ms. Plascencia. “His ability to elevate staff, strengthen school culture, and keep students at the center of everyone’s work has had a meaningful impact on the Juarez community.”

Mr. Campos has served Waukegan Public Schools for 18 years, and has been an educator for 20. He began his career as a Bilingual/ESL Math Teacher at Jefferson Middle School (now John Lewis Middle School), where he served for six years. He later spent two years as Assistant Principal at Jefferson. He was named Principal of Miguel Juarez Middle School in 2016.