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For almost thirty years, Ray Salazar has been a Chicago Public Schools educator dedicated to amplifying student voice.

He joined Hancock in 2011 and teaches AP English Language and Journalism, the class that produces the school newspaper.  See past issues here.

In 2018, he started coaching the school's debate team. 

He also sponsored an after-school podcast club.  Listen to their segments on Sound Cloud.

Ray earned his B.A. in English & Secondary Education and M.A. in Writing with distinction from DePaul University. In 2009, he earned National Board Certification and achieved renewal in 2019.

In 2017, thanks to a former student, Ray received a Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award from Northwestern University.

Outside of Hancock, Ray blogged about education and Latino issues at the White Rhino on ChicagoNow for eleven years.  His writing earned local and national recognition.

His writing also aired on National Public Radio and Chicago Public Radio many times and appeared in the Chicago Tribune.  He's also contributed to NPR's Latino USA and Latino Rebels.

Ray grew up around 26th Street and remains a proud Southwest side resident.  He's a father to two Chicago Public Schools students and enjoys cooking and powerlifting. 

In 2022, he set state records in the squat, bench, and deadlift for his age group and weight class with the United States Powerlifting Association.