Know your principal: Tod Tecktiel
Tod Tecktiel, principal, Greenbrook Elementary School, Hanover Park, Keeneyville Elementary District 20
Age: 44
Family: I am married and have two children. My wife, Elyce, teaches visually-impaired students in Community Unit District 300. My daughter, Marina, is 19 years old and attends the University of Minnesota. My son, Jeremy, is 17 and a junior at Conant High School.
Grew up in: Chicago, in Rogers Park, on the north side of the city.
Ultimate pet: Any kind of dog.
My educational philosophy: To provide each student with the tools necessary to become a useful, productive member of society as an adult.
Personal hero: My mom. My dad passed away when I was 15, and, as a 40-year-old widow, she raised three sons who each have advanced degrees and successful lives. She put us first and sacrificed everything she could have been. She is still there for us whenever we need her. She even took a leave of absence from her job to help my wife take care of me after a near-fatal auto accident.
How did you wind up in education? I knew that I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was very small. I really never wanted to be anything else. I became a teacher of the deaf, because my best friend had two deaf parents and helped me develop an interest from the time I was in first grade.
What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation would be to Israel and Egypt. I am a student of history, and I have always wanted to explore the places I've read about in the Bible.
If you won the biggest lottery in history you'd … not stop working. I would use the money to provide a stable future for my family, do some traveling and contribute to various charitable causes. I would love to set up scholarship programs for students in need. I would also build a completely "green" house that was custom made to my specifications.
Favorite reality show? I don't really watch much television, but I really enjoy "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet.
Cubs or Sox? I am a die-hard Cubs fan (way to go D. Lee).
If you could invite one literary character to dinner who would you pick and why? I am a big fan of the literary James Bond as written by Ian Fleming, John Gardner and Raymond Benson. In the books, he was more human and faced down danger with courage. He was also a gourmet, and that would make for excellent food with intriguing conversation.
Musical guilty pleasures: I am very eclectic in my musical tastes. I really like everything except music that promotes drinking, drug use or violence. My favorite song-writer/performer would be Billy Joel. I wish he would start recording again.
Favorite childhood book? I loved the Oz books by Frank Baum.
Bungee jumping, rappelling or parachuting? I wouldn't care to bungee jump, rappel or parachute. I fall enough on my own without having to call it a sport.
What's the most innovative program you've seen so far at school? Any program that builds a love for reading in children would top the list. Currently we use the "Four-block" system for teaching reading, and I think it goes far toward that goal.
Latest new "it" word you've heard from a student? I haven't really heard any new words lately.
What lasting impression do you hope to leave? I would like to be remembered with a smile. I hope I have inspired some of the people I have touched to make positive, humanitarian choices. My personal philosophy has always been to never intentionally hurt anyone. I hope that when I am gone, this will live on.
What's the worst influence on today's youth? Negative media portrayals of certain cultures influences people to develop prejudices. I wish that children were not exposed to violent music, movies and video games. If the television news shows and newspapers would focus on the positive actions of society, the world would change.
Thing that makes today's students distinct? Today's students are distinct because they are growing up in a world dominated by technology.
If I could change one thing about the world it would be … I would hope for the end of religious and cultural warfare of all kinds. The world is still beset with instances of genocide and war. Every religion has the same basic tenets that should bring us together instead of setting us apart. I want true world-wide systems of government that promote the basic principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
If you could paint your office any color it would be … purple.