Susie An is a reporter for WBEZ and covers state and suburban education.
She also serves as an occasional news anchor and show host on WBEZ. She’s directed shows like, Schools on the Line, a past WBEZ call-in show focusing on education in Chicago. Her work has also been heard on NPR, CBC and BBC. Susie joined WBEZ as a news desk intern in September 2007. Prior to joining WBEZ, Susie worked at the Peoria Journal Star newspaper and worked as an acquisitions editor for Publications International, Ltd.
Susie’s work has won awards from the Associated Press and Chicago Headline Club. She has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, Susie has been a Chicago resident since 2006.
Susie An
Reporter, Education
Stories by Susie An
![]()
CPS students walk out of class demanding greater COVID-19 safety
The protest comes on the heels of the recent standoff between the school district and the teachers union over the return to in-person learning.
![]()
As Chicago students resume class, teachers vote on a deal many say falls short
Union members voted on the COVID-19 safety agreement Wednesday, which needs a simple majority to pass.
![]()
Teachers union says it has compromised but have “hit a brick wall” with the mayor
CPS classes have been canceled since last Wednesday amid the standoff between the teachers union and the school district.
![]()
A fight over COVID-19 testing is a barrier to a deal needed to restart Chicago Public Schools
No classes on Monday. The CTU wants all students to be eligible for COVID-19 testing unless they opt out. The mayor wants families to opt in.
![]()
An Afghan ‘refugee kid’ is welcoming young people just like her to Chicago
Since August, many Afghans have resettled in Chicago. This has motivated one Afghan 16-year-old to help the new arrivals and other refugees.
![]()
Illinois families in crisis want the state to do more to help children with the most dire needs
There’s an increase in kids with mental and behavioral health issues but a shortage of facilities that can treat them.
![]()
For kids in crisis in Illinois, there is nowhere to turn for help
Experts say there are no residential facilities available for students requiring intensive mental health or behavioral support as needs surge.
![]()
Chicago’s youngest learners struggled on state exams, highlighting the pandemic’s impact
New results from spring standardized tests show a drop in reading and math scores for students in Chicago Public Schools and statewide.
![]()
National fight is creeping into Illinois schools over what is read, taught and who belongs
A push to ban a book about coming out as non-binary erupts in the suburbs amid reports of a spike in harassment against Illinois LGBTQ students.
![]()
School nurses are stretched thin after pulling double duty during the pandemic
After months of juggling added COVID-19 duties, vaccines could lighten the school nursing load and help them refocus on student needs.
