Staff Spotlight, Craig Goodman,
Site Coordinator for College Wood Elementary School

Education: B.A. in English from Illinois State University (2001); B.S. in Recreation & Park Administration from Illinois State University (2007)

Experience: English Composition teacher at Richland Community College located in Decatur, IL, during 2002; Teaching Assistant at the Adult Education Center located in Decatur, IL, from 2003-2004; Before and After School facilitator within the Town of Normal Parks & Recreation Department located in Normal, IL, from Aug. 2005 - Dec. 2006.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Decatur, Illinois – it is 2 1/2 half hours northeast of St. Louis, 3 hours south of Chicago and 3 hours west of Indianapolis; with that being said, I’m a St. Louis guy all the way; I’ve had it good with a Super Bowl win and a World Series title in the past 7 years.

Q: What elementary school did you attend?
A: Lutheran School Association – in Decatur, it’s simply known as LSA.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from elementary school?
A: I scored 24 points in a basketball game when I was in 5th grade. Everyone thought I was going to be the next Michael Jordan. It turns out that I only panned out to be the next Larry Bird, which is great but not the greatest.

Q: What was your favorite subject in elementary school and why?
A: Actually it was PE. We only had it 2 days a week, so it gave me something to look forward to and it gave me an opportunity to play sports during the school day.

Q: Why did you decide to study education in college or enter this field?
A: I worked in a before and after school program while in college and really liked it. I saw this opportunity and thought I’d give it a try since I enjoyed the field.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Making the kids happy with the atmosphere that is provided and knowing they’re having a good time at your expense.

Q: What unique skills/talents do you apply to your job?
A: I’m a really laid back person and I like to joke around a lot, so I feel I’m able to make the kids laugh and make them feel relaxed while they’re here.

Q: How do you handle a “bad” day?
A:  I tell myself that it could be worse and to just get through the rest of the day because the next day will be completely new.

Q: What do you hope your ESE participants take away from the program?
A:  I just want them to have fun and enjoy being here. If a student likes coming to the program and likes being here, then I feel I’m doing my job quite well.

Q: Why/how do you think Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation is making a positive impact in the elementary schools?
A: I feel this program is giving the students a chance to learn about small life lessons as well as having fun. They’re able to learn new activities and participate in a variety of things and it’s not the same routine every single day in the program. It also gives the students a chance to meet and hang out with friends that aren’t in their class at school, and I honestly feel that is very important for the students to meet and interact with a variety of people. 

Q: Favorite quote/saying:
A: Do I only have to pick just one? I have a few that I live by each day:
“Never regret any decision you make in life because at one point it was what you really wanted.”
“Don’t live your life through others; do what makes you happy”
“Never take family and friends for granted because you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone”