It was just a typical graduation practice for McHenry High School Assistant Principal Greg Eiserman until it wasn’t. Before a gym filled with excited Class of 2022 members, Eiserman was awarded the last Staff Member of the Month recognition of the 2021-22 school year.
That was a fitting way to celebrate the award since Eiserman has been one of the main administrators shepherding seniors through graduation for the last several years.
The McHenry native and MCHS graduate is credited with going out of his way to help students and staff alike navigate high school education. Those who nominated Eiserman for the award said his care for students and colleagues is evident.
“He is always so supportive of any idea our students bring to make the school a fun and exciting place to be,” said science Instructor Leah Pelletier. “He will get ‘down in the dirt’ to make sure that an event goes off without a hitch.”
That’s all part of the job for Eiserman, who has been assistant principal for student life since 2017. His job includes overseeing major events, working with student organizations, overseeing student incentive programs and much more.
Before that, he was a Spanish instructor, and eventually department leader, as well as union president. He enjoys working as an administrator to be able to have an impact on so many people. “I find it very rewarding,” he said.
Eiserman actually planned to go into law when he started college at Illinois Wesleyan University. After he started tutoring, the son of educators Jerry and Trish decided to go in that direction. He decided to teach Spanish after seeing such a need for Spanish educators. After teaching at Normal West Community High School, he returned to his roots in McHenry.
One of his passions is helping McHenry be known as one of the best high schools. As a teacher, he worked to help his students go beyond memorizing a new language. As an administrator, he tries to help students get the most out of high school.
One of his passions now is successfully implementing so-called blended learning, which is really an opportunity for teachers and students to go over material at their own pace. The last two years have been challenging with COVID-19, but it has been a reminder of why supporting students is so important.
“I think more of us can approach the job with more empathy and understanding,” he said.
To see the video announcing the award, click here.
The Staff Member of the Month program recognizes MCHS staff members who go above and beyond for the benefit of students. Thanks to the support from Meat and Potato Eatery and Brunch Cafe, each monthly winner receives a gift certificate as well as a plaque.
To learn more about the program, click here.
