As the new school year approaches, so does a new chapter for Glenbard South. With Principal Santee becoming District 87’s superintendent, Assistant Principal of Instruction Sean Byrne is set to fill the role, with plans of continuing the welcoming space our school provides for both students and staff, and fostering growth within the Raider community.
Before working at Glenbard South, Byrne worked as a science teacher in Downers Grove South and Homewood-Flossmoor High Schools, and later served as department chair for science, technology and engineering at Glenbard West. Along with his duties as assistant principal, Byrne is currently pursuing his doctorate in education administration. “I love learning, and I think that as part of my own development as a learner and as an educator, I’ve always gravitated toward how I could help adults learn,” Byrne says. Additionally, Byrne spent a year teaching English in Bangladesh to both teachers and students, where he discovered his passion for supporting educators. Bangladesh contains thousands of years of history, and its rich culture, customs and political landscape differ greatly from the United States. Keeping pictures of his former students from Bangladesh on the walls of his office is his way of thanking them for the lessons and growth he gained from teaching abroad. “It’s a reminder that teaching there was a wonderful part in the beginning of my career,” says Byrne.
“Every student and teacher has the right to be treated as an individual, to be esteemed,” explained Byrne when asked about his expectations for the new school year. To be esteemed is to not only be respected, but highly valued, and requires immense effort to ensure each person feels this way, especially in an institution as big and diverse as Glenbard South. “It’s not just about acceptance, it’s not about tolerating, it’s about esteeming people,” says Mr. Byrne. This philosophy reflects his leadership style centered around genuine respect and meaningful relationships. Learning students’ names and greeting them at the door each day lessens the divide between administrator and student, and allows a connection to be formed. It’s not enough to be a vague figure most students have never even talked to, and going the extra mile to attend every sports game, concert, and club event is what sets Glenbard South apart from other schools. “It unites us as a school, we are all raiders, and that’s more important than students or staff or anything,” Byrne says. This dedication to respect and connection strengthens the fabric of Glenbard South, making it a place where everyone is empowered to thrive.
“My advice to students is to never hide your Raider pride,” says Byrne. Though it might be a little cliche, Raider pride goes deeper than red, white and blue. “We are better because we are all raiders, and if everybody brings their whole authentic selves to school, we can encourage each other and bring out the best in people,” he explained. Byrne exemplifies this belief daily, embodying Raider pride by greeting students at the door and making time for them. Raider pride goes beyond the boundaries of our school, and by being kind, present and supportive, we can not only better ourselves and our school, but the world as a whole. “Never stop growing,” Byrne added, explaining that while there is a really good energy in the building with the staff and students, there is always room to improve and make things better. “We know we are great, but we also know where we’re going and what we can become,” Mr. Byrne said.
What began as a conversation about learning revealed a leader grounded in tradition but excited for progress; under Principal Byrne’s guidance, Glenbard South is not just ready to face the future, it is assured to thrive.
