Meet Glenbrook South's new principal
Approved March 15 by Glenbrook High School District 225 as Glenbrook South's new principal, that night Barbara Georges told the board how she felt about her new school.
"I just felt like I was at home," she said.
Her first official day at Glenbrook South was July 1, but her new home wasn't complete until the full student body arrived Aug. 17 for the first day of the 2022-23 academic year.
The Arlington Heights resident, who started in education as a science teacher at Maine East, came to Glenbrook South after eight years as an associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Grayslake Central High School.
Her work there earned distinction by the Illinois State Board of Education's "Those Who Excel" program.
Recognizing her first day, the Herald sent Georges a few questions about herself and her experiences. Following are her responses.
Herald: What does the first day of class mean to you?
Georges: The first day of school is always full of hope, energy and excitement for the new year. These initial moments of connection between students and staff can eventually be forged into strong partnerships that can create lifelong role models.
First Day experiences are where inspiration and motivation for a subject can be set as a foundational cornerstone of a student's trajectory into postsecondary study or a career. It is this moment of first impression that will allow a student to determine that there are kind adults who are fun and interesting to learn from regardless of their apprehension on a subject.
Herald: What are you most looking forward to in your first year at Glenbrook South?
Georges: I am looking forward to building relationships with the community and staff and learning about all the wonderful Titan traditions.
Most importantly, I am looking forward to spending time in classrooms to learn about the student experience and quality of our academic programs. Glenbrook South has much to offer our students and I cannot wait to experience the full spectrum of our opportunities.
Herald: Give us a couple of your strengths as an administrator.
Georges: My greatest strengths lie in my ability to serve and build relationships with stakeholders.
I am an excellent communicator that puts a concerted focus into ensuring stakeholders can understand my thoughts, actions and intentions while being invested in them personally. This allows me to easily make connections with people to identify ways I can support and develop their individual needs.
By meeting those needs with patience, empathy and compassion, I am able to develop students and staff to achieve their full potential.
Herald: You started as a science teacher at Maine East. Why the switch to administration?
Georges: My journey to administration began at East Leyden High School where I was able to learn from exceptional role models. They encouraged me to pursue a variety of teacher leadership positions where I was able to see that my desire to impact the lives of students and serve the community was exponentially greater in a leadership position than within the confines of my classroom.
In every step of my leadership journey I have been able to have a positive impact on an ever-growing number of systems and communities. I am constantly rewarded by watching the seeds planted over the years grow into thriving organizations, leaders and families.