Paul Knauff is a well-known name around Valparaiso and it isn't surprising as to why. He has taught hundreds upon thousands of kids in the Valpo School System and around Northwest Indiana. Parents, students, fellow teachers and administrators all know and respect him, which made him a perfect fit for a Valpo Life in the Spotlight.
Knauff was born in Peru, IN while his father was serving in the Navy in WWII. His family came to Hebron, IN when he was in the 4th grade and attended the school all the way through high school.
“Coming from a small school you can be involved in just about everything. I didn’t lack for anything to do,” Knauff said. “I was in yearbook, cross country, baseball, basketball, and youth group. My parents would describe me as serious. If there was a job to do I would get it done. I was responsible...which was good because some of the ground work that you lay when you are young shapes you as you get older.”
After graduating from high school, Knauff attended Ball State University. At the time, the college was still known as a teachers college as about 80% of the students there were going for teaching degrees. There, Knauff received degrees in History and Math. He brought his talents and knowledge back with him to Porter County and landed a job at Chesterton Middle School where he taught for five years. He then doubled as a math teacher and guidance counselor for the high school for three years. After that Knauff went to Liberty Middle School and took the job as principal for two years, and then became the principal at Morgan Township Schools where he stayed for 10 years.
“It was a wonderful experience covering all grade levels and working with the community on a variety of different levels,” Knauff said. “My father was an educator, that was probably the biggest reason that I got into teaching... I lived life around school and I thought it was a match and I’m glad I did that because I like to work with people and education was a great way to do just that.”
Following his work at Morgan Township, Knauff went to Thomas Jefferson Middle School where he worked as principal for 24 years. His favorite part of the job is the students.
“Without a doubt it’s the kids. I love being around kids. I can give them guidance that will carry with them as they become adults,” Knauff said. “One of the rewarding aspects is seeing your students as adults and that they are doing well. it's nice to hope that maybe you had a little something to do with that.”
Now that Knauff is retired, he does his best to stay busy and involved within the community. He is a volunteer member of governing board at his church, he serves as a board member for the Family and Youth Service Bureau, he is on the Porter County library board and the school board (since 2012), and he is involved in the Prebeterian Women’s Resale Shop.
“It's a great way to stay involved, but see things from a different aspect,” Knauff said of his work with the resale shop.
When he has free time, Knauff walks regularly, reads, and is hoping to travel more since his wife recently retired.
The words of wisdom that he would like to impart to readers is:
“One of the things I’d share with people is to look at the we picture rather than the me picture to see what we can do collectively. If we look at this as we’re all in this together it would make a big difference in society more,” Knauff said in closing.