Jennifer Elias is a long-time DeKalb alum. She graduated from DeKalb High School in 1990. Following in her dad's footsteps, she went to college to become a teacher. She graduated from NIU in 2000 and began teaching in U46. She has taught grade 3, 4, 5, and 7. Upon obtaining her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from NIU in 2005 she was able to take on a leadership role as an Assistant Principal in Belvidere in 2006. In the fall of 2009 she was able to lead her first elementary school of 650 students as Principal of Hillcrest in U46.

After having 2 girls added to her family, she was able to come back to the district she spent so many years in as a student and be close to home so she can be present for her children. She began leading Lincoln Elementary in the fall of 2015. She has enjoyed giving back to students in her hometown, where she grew up. Being a part of the community and knowing the families has really helped her foster a sense of belonging for the students and their families.

Ms. Elias gets excited to begin each school year as she and the staff build out new ways to support the Lincoln community!