Growing up, the new Assistant Principal of Student Service, Page Powell, always knew she wanted to help people. At first, she pursued law after studying history at the University of Iowa. After studying for her LSATs, she decided she would be able to serve her community best by becoming an educator. From starting at Niles West to going to Niles North, and Maine East, she ended back at Niles West where it all started.
“I have always liked working with people. I did some retail work and customer service and I really loved helping [people]. That was a big part of growing up for me. Then in high school, I moved around to two different high schools. I started high school in New York and then I moved to a high school in the western suburbs called West Chicago. Moving around for me was hard. I felt like I actually knew what it felt like to struggle in high school. [At the University of Iowa] I studied history and I also liked political science classes. I was like I wanna be a lawyer, I want to fight for people’s rights. I want to help them in many different ways. I didn’t know what,” Powell said.
When she started working for D219, Powell was a paraprofessional in special education. There she was able to help student reach and excel past their social, emotional and intellectual needs and goals. Special Education for her is a nice blend between law and history and helping others on a different level.
“This whole Niles West community helped me completely change in what I wanted to do. I loved working with students who needed a little bit more assistance, so I went back to school and got my masters in Special Education. I did my student teaching here at Niles West and after I finished that… my first teaching position was actually here at Niles West,” Powell said
From being a paraprofessional at West to fulfilling other roles including working at Maine East High School as the Special Education department chair. When she heard that former AP of Student Services Antwan Babakhani left the district to act as principal of Maine South High School, Powell jumped on the chance to come back “home” to serve the Niles West community. The interview process, which involved administration, faculty, staff and students allowed Powell to self-reflect on her achievements in serving the community. While it seemed daunting, the interview reminded Powell of why she wanted to work in the district in the first place when she started.
“Interviews are always intimidating. I love hearing about other people and their stories and learning about them. So when I have to talk about myself it is hard, but it is also a good opportunity to reflect on the work that I’ve done, the students I have helped and the families I have supported. I think it is good for everyone to sit back and reflect once in a while. I got to sit with three rounds of people. To end with the students and to hear about their experiences and what they liked about being at school made me so excited which made it feel even more real and exciting. I believe the interview process should be both ways. It is a big change when you take a job,” Powell said.
This year, both areas of student services and operations are trying to prioritize working together when it comes to issues that may arise in the building. Assistant Principal Steve Parnther commented on what this would look like.
“Even though I supervise the deans and she works closely with the [psychologists ] social workers and counselors, this year we have really made an effort to join forces…ultimately we are all here for the students. We are here to serve students, that’s our job so we have made a point to collaborate a little bit more,” Parnther said.
In an interview, Principal Jeremy Christian elaborated on what it is like working alongside Powell. Christian was one of the deciding factors when it came down to hiring Powell.
“[Powell] is great. [She is] very student-centered and approachable. What I like most is she is able to think outside of the box in order to make decisions that are in the best interest of our teachers, staff and students,” Christian said.
Powell finds motivation in helping others. Many people have helped her in her journey, career, and personal life. She likes to reciprocate those feelings to her students, as well.
“I want all students to feel cared for and supported and reach their highest potential. In order to do that our staff [also] has to feel supported,” Powell said.
Outside of school, Powell loves to spend time with her family including her two daughters as much as possible outdoors. She loves to travel and be out in nature. Let’s give Powell a warm welcome back to Niles West!
