CHERYL DEROO, PRINCIPAL AT GLENBROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

What are some of your daily work responsibilities?
I am the instructional and equity leader for the building. I work to make sure that all of the students and staff are safe, healthy, and are learning.

How long have you worked for U-46?
I have been an employee for about 26 years.

What is it like to work for the District where you attended school and from which you graduated and what does it mean to you?
It's like family. My husband and all of my children also went to U-46, so it feels like home. I'm happy to be working in the community where I live and hope I am helping to create positive change.

Which U-46 schools did you attend?
Larson Middle School and Elgin High School.

What year did you graduate from high school?
1980.

What was your favorite subject and why?
English. I had a class called "Thinking Straight," with Peg Kunzelman. It really was a problem-solving class and lots of fun. It's also the class that I met my husband in!

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Mrs. Kunzelman. She made learning fun. We laughed and learned a lot!

Please share a favorite memory from your time as a student in U-46.
I loved participating in all of the activities that went along with football games. I was on the pom-pom team, so we always practiced before a game and then went early. We had so much team spirit. We enjoyed the games and they were always packed with kids and it seemed like half the community was there too! After the game we walked to the Huddle and hung out. Good old fashion fun!

Please share a favorite memory of working in U-46?
The first time I walked into Glenbrook as a principal, it was strange. I was alone, no keys, nothing. I saw the garage door on the dock open, so I walked in saying, "Hello, Hello?" I continued to roam through the building and scared the daylights out of the custodian. He was so nice and I knew right away I was in the right place. I went to my office, feeling very confident and comfortable. Then, I sat in my chair, looked around, no kids, no secretary, no staff. My first thought was, "What is a principal supposed to do?!" I panicked just a bit! Thank goodness I figured it out! (Most days anyway.)

Briefly describe your post-secondary college and/or career experience.
I went to Elgin Community College, then Eastern Illinois University for my Bachelor’s Degree. I received my Master’s from Aurora University and am currently a Doctoral Candidate at National Louis University.

What important life or academic lesson did you learn in U-46?
There are lots of people in the world who come from different places and experiences. Not only is that ok, but it’s amazing! What a wonderful experience it has been to learn about so many kinds of people!

Do you have children attending U-46 schools? If so, which schools?
Yes, three. They all attended Clinton Elementary School, Abbott Middle School. Then each attended a different high school. Elgin, Larkin, and South Elgin!