Douglas DeLaughter has an almost 50-year career in education. He currently serves as principal of Peifer Elementary School.
“I've been the principal of Peifer Elementary School now for 25 years,” he said. “Before then, I taught fifth grade at Eads Elementary School in Munster for 17 years. I’ve spent all of my adult life in education in some way or another.”
As one might imagine over the span of decades in education, DeLaughter has witnessed many changes in the field.
“I've seen a lot of changes, and most of them are good,” he said.
For example, DeLaughter has witnessed children connecting in a deeper way and more often with teachers, staff, administration, and other peers.
“Over the years, I've witnessed more connection with kids, even with myself and my teachers,” DeLaughter said.
This connection has changed the way teachers approach how they help children learn.
“It has become increasingly more important to teach outside of your academic curriculum, and I think that's a really good thing,” DeLaughter explained.
According to DeLaughter, some of this connection-related need stems from today’s heightened pressure on children in many areas in their life. Regardless, DeLaughter feels encouraged.
“I think kids come to school with so much more baggage these days, and it's a really good thing that teachers are spending time connecting with kids making some really positive changes and impacts in their lives and in what they do,” DeLaughter said. “I think that's a really positive change.”
When working with the children, DeLaughter says he just must roll with the punches. This has been his philosophy for many years.
Oftentimes, DeLaughter can be seen outside his office interacting with the children. He will help out with the pickup and dropoff line, talk with them in the hall, and even sit with them at lunch. Of course, this helps children to make another positive connection and fills that particular need.
Outside work, DeLaughter can typically be seen with his family, church community, or theatre community. He has been acting since he was 15 and met his wife while doing community theatre.
“My biggest hobby is community theatre,” he said. “I've been involved in community theatre since I was 15, and I'm now 64. I met my wife doing community theatre.”
He and his wife have passed their passion for theatre to their children.
“My kids were involved,” he said. “My daughter is still involved and she's 34.”
DeLaughter and his wife have many friends through their theatre community and also through their church.
“We have a great group of friends from church and from theatre,” he said “We have a huge theatre family that we love to spend time with outside of whether we're on stage or whatever.”
Time with family extends to Douglas’ mother, who is in her 90s.
“I help with my mom,” he said. “My mom is 93 and still living on her own in the area, so we enjoy spending time with her.”
Between school, theatre, church, and family, Douglas has a very full life!