"I loved teaching but when we were moving back to central Illinois from Tennessee, I saw an opportunity in administration at one of the bilingual elementary schools and I was eager to try it," Samie Sebestik says.
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She spends most of her days and nights in Mahomet, where SAMIE SEBESTIK grew up and still calls home; Rantoul, where she was an assistant principal for four years and has run a school of her own for four more; or somewhere between the two, on the 25-minute one-way commute.
But there was that one year, back during her college days at Southern Illinois-Carbondale, when Sebestik went far, far away — and returned a changed person.
“Studying abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay was the most meaningful part of my college experience,” she says. “Not only for enhancing my Spanish language skills, but also for fostering independence and a deeper understanding of the world. Living in a new culture broadened my perspective, teaching me to navigate challenges on my own and appreciate diverse ways of life.”
Sebestik is about to wrap up Year 4 as principal at Rantoul City Schools’ Pleasant Acres Elementary after learning the ropes of running a building at nearby Eastlawn Elementary.
The self-proclaimed “lover of coffee, the Cubs and the simple life in the Midwest” (so says her Instagram bio) lives with husband David, the golf pro at Lake of the Woods and a fellow Mahomet native; sons Ryne (10), Benji (8) and Cam (6); and Alvin the “mischievous” puppy. “All of our parents still live in town too, which is the best,” she says.
Sebestik took time out from a family vacation to answer questions from Editor Jeff D’Alessio in the 274th installment of our weekly speed read spotlighting leaders of organizations big and small.
"I’ve been blessed to work for and alongside female leaders that have really taken me under their wings and/or have let me grow alongside them as we find new ways to make our school a joyful and successful place for staff and scholars," Samie Sebestik says.
My single favorite moment of all-time in this job was … hosting a surprise celebration/assembly when our nurse won a state award.
All of our scholars were so incredibly excited to celebrate her, staff came together for the surprise, and it was just such a joyful day of togetherness.
The three adjectives I hope my staff would use to describe me are … compassionate, positive and integrity-driven.
I can’t live without ... on a light note, my calendar. It keeps my life together.
On a personal note, my husband. He’s my teammate and I’m thankful for him every day.
My philosophy on meetings is ... always have an agenda and always start with celebrations.
The hardest thing about being a leader is ... not feeling like enough some days for staff/students/families.
On my office walls, you’ll find … pictures and drawings from students, pictures with coworkers, pictures of my family, inspirational quotes and school spirit signs.
As far as my professional role model goes ... I am having a hard time picking just one person. I am surrounded by strong, intelligent and passionate women leaders both professionally and personally.
At RCS, for example, I’ve been blessed to work for and alongside female leaders that have really taken me under their wings and/or have let me grow alongside them as we find new ways to make our school a joyful and successful place for staff and scholars.
I also look up to Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavs, and love her motto: “Love the people you lead.” I try to take that mindset with me to work each day.
I think she also highlights the strengths that a female leader brings to the table. That is sometimes undervalued in our society.
Rule No. 1 at Pleasant Acres: "Treat students with dignity and kindness."
I’m frugal in that … we make almost every meal and eat at home, including the kids’ lunches.
If I could trade places for a week with any other business person in town, I wouldn’t mind working at … Taylor Studios because I’m super curious about the creativity and designs they collaborate on.
My one unbreakable rule of the workplace is … treat students with dignity and kindness.
The single-most important question I ask job candidates during interviews is … how do you build a positive climate and culture in your classroom?
The first thing I do when I get to work most days is … say good morning to my office “roomies.” I love seeing their faces to start my day.
For lunch … I usually pack mine but it’s a special day when we get to order Mexican food from Agave.
When it comes to winding down after work … well, first I have a 25-minute drive home listening to a book or podcast. Then I love walking the dog or checking in, shooting hoops or playing catch with my kiddos.
The last luxury in which I indulged was ... my family and I going to Miramar Beach over spring break. We’re actually here as I write this up.
We love going to the area because we can hop in the van for a relatively easy drive and enjoy some beach/outside time with less distractions and responsibilities.
The last good book I read was … “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” which I just read for fun and loved, and I read “The Anxious Generation” for a more professional book study with some families from my school community. That was really interesting. I highly recommend it to all educators and parents.
I’m up and at ’em every day by ... 4:30 a.m.
My exercise routine consists of … working out about three times a week for about an hour each time at No Limit Fitness. It’s a CrossFit gym but the workouts vary greatly, which is my favorite part.
I’m not even close to the most dedicated gym goer but I love being surrounded by positive people and friends each morning.
As for my career calling … I knew I wanted to be in education because I have truly always loved school and learning. I would have been a fulltime student for life if that was an option.
Since it wasn’t, I had some teachers that inspired me (Steve Kreps and Jenna Bryant) to be a teacher (of Spanish). I loved teaching but when we were moving back to central Illinois from Tennessee, I saw an opportunity in administration at one of the bilingual elementary schools and I was eager to try it.
I quickly realized I did not fully understand everything administrators did, but I fell in love with the challenges and celebrations of supporting students, teachers and families from a different lens.
The first job I ever had was … as a hostess at Applebee’s.
When it comes to the worst job I ever had ... I have really always liked working but being a caterer at Classic Events Catering was tough because the rush is all at once and the events were always over pretty late and I have always appreciated an early bed time.
