Palos West Elementary School’s new principal, Joel Dukett, figured his future would be in psychology when he was growing up.
“I began my training and career path in psychology with the goal of being a child and family therapist,” he said.
But the Springfield native worked in a youth residential program and he started thinking of other options.
“After reflecting on what I enjoyed most about the work I was doing and some guidance from trusted faculty I had built relationships with, I made the decision to go back to school to get my degree in school psychology with the long-term plan of becoming a principal,” he said. “It was the best decision I could have made, and it has been such a great fit for me professionally and personally.”
Dukett opened his principal career at Palos West on Aug. 19 and replaced Jennifer Peloquin, who is now on the staff at Palos South Middle School.
Since Dukett made the switch to education, he has accumulated 10 years of experience including leadership roles in school psychology, special education, and school administration. His previous position was as an assistant principal in Berwyn South District 100.
He holds a Specialist in Educational Leadership degree from National Louis University, a Specialist in School Psychology from Illinois State University, and a Masters of Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Illinois State University.
The psychology background can come in handy when dealing with both students and their families, as well as dealing with staff.
“When I am working with students, that foundation can allow me to get a deeper read on what the student is experiencing,” Dukett said. “I have worked with children exhibiting a range of support needs, which has given me practical knowledge and understanding of how to help them and their families.
“Additionally, it has helped shape not just the work with individual students, but also the systems in place to support the whole school including both behavioral and academic development.”
He added that with staff members, he can support problem-solving from a clinical and strong academic intervention background.
“Ultimately, I believe it has provided me with a unique lens and approach in the school setting,” Dukett added.
He was inspired to teach by a junior high school science teacher who “brought learning to life” and credited college professor Joel Schneider as well.
“He had a deep impact on my therapeutic practice and made me hold myself to a high standard,” Dukett said of Schneider. “He genuinely cared about the growth of his students, and I have taken a lot of that with me into my role as a principal in working with students and staff.”
