Publications & Sites 
New Elm Middle assistant principal settles in to new job
Cody Huisman recently became the new assistant school principal at Elm Middle School, 7607 W. Cortland St. He hails from Nebraska, but has worked in Chicago Public School for several years before coming to Elmwood Park School District 401./Photo by David Pollard
Updated: September 3, 2012 9:13AM
ELMWOOD PARK — From a small town to the big city, Cody Huisman has found a happy medium in his job as Elm Middle School’s new assistant principal.
Huisman, 31, worked for four years as a social studies teacher for Chicago Public Schools before getting the assistant principal job. Prior to that, he taught in Nebraska, where he grew up.
Huisman made the move to the big city in 2008 after visiting several times, trading the small town he lived and taught in for a totally different experience.
But since he’s started working at Elm Middle School, 7607 W. Cortland St., he said the village reminds him of home.
“Elmwood Park has a Nebraska feel,” he said. “It’s a small town feel, but it’s near the big city.”
His boss, Principal Kathleen Porreca, said Huisman has made a good transition from teacher to administrator so far. As an assistant principal, his primary duties are being in charge of student discipline, student attendance and working with the school’s student assessments and testing.
“He’s doing really good,” Porreca said. “He’s very enthusiastic and very happy to be here. He’s developing relationships and getting to know the staff.”
Huisman looks forward to helping move the school and district forward. Although the school year started about two weeks ago, he already feels a part of the team.
“It’s obvious to me that it’s a great school with great teachers,” he said. “I want to jump on board and continue with all the great things they are doing here.”
He doesn’t regret his move from Nebraska, and he and his wife look forward to having their first child, a boy, soon. When at work, he gets a little feel of home and can still be a part of the big city.
“I lived in a town of 500, but I enjoy the city life more,” he said. “Elmwood Park is a mix of that small town and Chicago.”
