Wendy Y. Shirley joined Chrysler Elementary School in 2012. She began her career in 1984 as a kindergarten, preschool and Title I Reading teacher in the Detroit Public Schools.  In 1996,  Principal Shirley began her journey in administration as a Staff Coordinator and then Assistant Principal.  In 2002, she accepted a position as Principal at Fox Elementary and from there she was chosen to lead Hanneman, Munger and Barton Elementary Schools prior to their closure and the reconfiguration of enrollment in the Detroit Public Schools.

Principal Shirley grew up in Detroit and attended elementary school in the Detroit Public Schools District. She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School. She received an undergraduate degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in English.  After many years of teaching in the Detroit Public Schools, she enrolled at Marygrove College and obtained a master’s degree in early childhood education. She also received an endorsement in Elementary Education Administration.  This endorsement area was the complemented knowledge that gave her the enhanced foundation to her leadership and teaching approach, as she views literacy as the foundation of academic progress.

Principal Shirley supports a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. She believes partnerships with parents and community partners are essential to enriching the experience of students at Chrysler Elementary.

During her free time, Principal Shirley enjoys community service projects, crocheting, embroidery, reading and spending time with family and friends.