In Laura Pfanenstiel’s office, pictures of student art adorn the walls, and on her desk and shelves sit toy dinosaurs and children’s books. They are things the longtime educator has learned put kids at ease when they stop in for a chat.
“It’s an easy way for kids to talk to me,” said Pfanenstiel. “They let them know that I’m approachable.”
Being approachable, both for students and teachers, is just one of the things Pfanenstiel hopes to bring to Elmhurst Community Unit District 205. Pfanenstiel took over July 2 at Jefferson School for retiring Principal Carol Hallberg. She lives with her husband, William, in St. Charles.
Q: Why did you apply for this position?
A: When you’re in education, you get to know the school districts that have a lot of community partnerships and believe in Character Counts, and I knew Elmhurst was (one of those school districts). They not only talked about it but made movements toward that, and I liked how they got the community involved.
Q: Why did you decide to go into administration?
A: I love being with kids, seeing the light bulb go on when they finally get it. (But) being in administration offers me the opportunity to help kids in another way. I help the teachers so they can furnish (the students), and I like the idea that I’m not just helping (those 24) but the whole school. I think when you’ve been in education 17 to 18 years, you start becoming comfortable and soon it’s time to take on the next responsibility. My kids are all grown, and so now I have the time it takes to be a good principal.
Q: How have you been preparing for the upcoming year?
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Laura Pfanenstiel, principal of Jefferson Elementary School Age: 52 |
A: I feel very lucky that we had summer school and I found time to become acclimated. I’ve been gradually meeting teachers, figuring out the schedule and how the procedures work. I’ve also been writing letters to parents about the upcoming school year and have had a lot of communication with the past principal so the transition will be a smooth one.
Q: What will be the biggest challenge for you?
A: Probably just remembering everybody’s names. I come from a smaller school district, so mostly getting to know all the people. But that will be the fun part of it, too. I can’t wait for the kids to come. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about them.
Q: What do you hope to bring to the position?
A: I think a passion for trying new programs and keeping my mind open to new things to bring students to new levels and to bring teachers to new levels. I don’t make rash decisions. I take in all the information and then make a decision that most helps the kids. Also, the organizational piece and safety. I’m aware of how crazy a world it is and how make kids aware of that.
