Meet Tioga principal Amy Sikorski Prester
Meet the Principal is an occasional series by Catherine Edman introducing readers to the men and women who sit in the corner offices of schools across DuPage County. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.
Amy Sikorski Prester, principal, Tioga Elementary School, Bensenville, Bensenville Elementary School District 2
Age: 30
Family: Husband, Eric Prester
Grew up in: Glen Ellyn
Ultimate pet: A hypo-allergenic dog, preferably one that is cute.
What is your education philosophy in one sentence? Every child can succeed. It is our jobs as educators to help figure out the how to get them there.
Personal hero: Maya Angelou.
How did you wind up in education: I always wanted to work with children. Even as young as junior high, I knew I wanted to do something with children. Although it wasn't until high school, with some very influential teachers, did I realize education was my calling.
What is your dream vacation? A tropical beach and a good book.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … Go on my dream vacation, split the money with my family, donate some to charity and pay off the mortgage on my house. Perhaps enjoy a new car, too!
What is your favorite reality show? "Project Runway"
Cubs or Sox? SOX.
Musical guilty pleasures: Country.
Favorite childhood book? "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? Everyday Math. When implemented correctly, it shows amazing effectiveness in teaching students not only to be able to complete problems but to understand the way it works.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? That I lived life to the fullest, put my heart and soul into my job, and had a positive impact on the world through my actions.
What makes today's students distinct? Ability to utilize technology at such a young age without much instruction.
If you could change one thing about the world it would be … The desire to be someone we are not. The push to look like each other, listen to the same music, shop at the same big stores and look like something our genetics will never let us. I wish we could embrace our differences and be proud of what were given in this life.