Cooks Corners students see a friendly new face in the hallways this semester. Erin Utesch recently joined the great staff at Cooks as Principal. “I’m very happy to be here,” she smiled, “I’ve been very welcomed with open arms.”
“I felt called to do good things for kids,” shared Utesch, when discussing her motivation to pursue a career in education, “I pursued teaching in particular because I really enjoy learning.” At Ball State, Erin studied Elementary Education and Special Education, with a Spanish minor, finishing her degree by student teaching at Flint Lake Elementary. “In elementary, you have to learn about every area [that you teach],” she stated, “It’s a great way to learn lots and share your knowledge.”
Utesch returned to La Porte, home at the time, where she took her first teaching job in second grade remediation. She also taught special education while residing in La Porte. Moving back to Valpo, Erin took a teaching job for second grade at Flint Lake, before transferring to Central Elementary where she taught 4th and 5th grade.
After taking some time off to stay home with her sons, Isaac and Liam, Erin returned to the Valpo schools as a Title I teacher for a semester. Utesch made her way back to Flint Lake, as an Assistant Principal position opened up, due to a maternity leave. The leave became permanent and Erin remained as Assistant Principal at Flint until the position opened up at Cooks Corners.
“I’m fortunate, I get to work with lots of people, teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, custodians, other principals,” Erin shared, “We work together to make the school an enjoyable and happy place to work and learn.” When asked for her goals for Cooks, Erin’s focus is on continuing to do what’s best for the kids. “We want everyone to reach their full potential,” she said, “My goal each day is to keep everything rolling smoothly so everyone can focus on their job and provide kids with a really good environment to learn.”
Cooks Corners serves around 270 students, with around 17 teachers working with those students each day and a “really active and wonderful PTA” working hard for the students and staff.
“I hope it shows in my daily actions that I enjoy my job and want to do what’s best for the kids.”
