Having taught kindergarten at Central Elementary School in Riverside for five years, Mindy Keller remembers seeing the “light bulb” go off for her students.

“It’s one of the neatest things to see a child read for the first time,” Keller said. “Seeing them blend sounds together, read a word, and then read a book for the first time-you get to see how excited and proud they are. ”

Keller is now taking on a new role as the interim principal at Hollywood Elementary School for the next year. Throughout her years as a teacher, Keller realized that she wanted to work with staff and parents in an administrative role.

“The draw (to the new position) was just really having an influence on the children’s lives and working with staff, community and parents to ensure student success. Hollywood is an amazing opportunity that I wanted to be a part of,” Keller said.

For Keller, one of the most important things to teach children is not just facts and figures, but how the knowledge will impact them in the real world.

“When you’re at a grocery store, that’s why we need to know those subtraction facts — we’re buying something and getting the change,” Keller said.

One of the challenges educators face, in Keller’s opinion, is teaching all different kinds of students.

“I think it is important to know each individual child — their likes, dislikes, strengths — and what they need to work on,” Keller said. “That way, you can best relate to them as a learner and build on that relationship from the first day of school.”


Notable
Keller already has a master’s degree in school leadership and supervision from Concordia University

Quotable
“I love making a difference in children’s lives and being a positive influence on them.”

Philosophy
“To relate it back to our school, Hollywood, I would say that through a collaborative partnership with student, staff members, parents and community members, I strive to promote our mission.”

Favorites
FOOD Pasta
HOBBIES Running, especially along the lakefront in Chicago
MOVIE “Marley and Me”
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
SPORTS TEAM  Chicago Cubs