Ignacio Lopez

Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D., is the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Advancement at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. With a career spanning roles as a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high school English teacher, curriculum administrator, tenured professor, assistant dean, and community college president, his expertise lies in educational leadership and culturally responsive pedagogy. He holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from National Louis University and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

• Doctor of Education: Educational Psychology, National Louis University
• Masters in Teaching: Secondary Education, National Louis University
• Bachelors in Liberal Arts (English, Non-Fiction Writing and Poetry), University of Illinois at Chicago

Lopez’s research focuses on Culturally Responsive Teaching, Equity and Inclusion, and Reality Therapy/Choice Theory to foster non-punitive educational environments. His work emphasizes school-community engagement and data-driven instructional frameworks.

His publications include the 2017 book Keeping it Real and Relevant and online resources like The Essential Classroom Management Checklist, reflecting trends in student-centered pedagogy, behavioral interventions, and inclusive curriculum design.

As Dean, Lopez promotes postsecondary retention through initiatives such as teacher-leadership teams and assessments of cultural relevance in curricula. His professional background bridges K-12 and higher education leadership, with a focus on urban educational contexts.