CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Linda Miceli, School Counselor at Harvard High School
"I grew up in North Barrington and graduated from Barrington High School. I moved to Niles with my mother and stepfather and went to Illinois State University for my undergraduate degree. I became a Human Resource Manager for Venture for 5 years, married a teacher and realized that I wanted to be one too! While raising two sons I went back to school to earn my teaching degree and then my Driver Education endorsement from Northern Illinois University. After teaching Driver Education part time for 4 years in Woodstock, I pursued a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Northern Illinois University."
"I wanted to be a school counselor for several reasons. First, I would have benefited greatly from guidance and direction in high school but I had to navigate my future on my own. It all worked out but I want to provide students with support and resources throughout high school and help them get excited for their future after high school. Second, I love talking to people and learning about their background and how I can help them achieve their goals. My father always told me that I could make friends with a pile of rocks! I am finishing my 22nd year in the Harvard School District. I love this community. Our students deserve the best education they can get. It is our responsibility to help them get it."
"Working in education is a helping profession. I could not imagine doing anything as rewarding as helping students learn about themselves and navigate the world around them. Being a support for students and parents has always been extremely important to me."
"I love the Harvard School District because of the people. It has been a true privilege to work beside this staff, past and present, and I owe my longevity in part to them."
"I look forward to coming to work every day. There is nothing more rewarding than putting in a good day’s work that you can be proud of, interacting with people and helping to make someone’s day better. Don’t take things too personally and give people grace. Lastly, help to create an environment where you can laugh with your colleagues every day."