The Chronicle sat down with incoming District 233 Superintendent Jennifer Norrell to learn a few insights into her world. Some of the responses have been edited for length.

Where were you raised?

I was raised in Hazel Crest since second grade. I’m a Hillcrest (High) Hawk.

Do you have a favorite teacher story?

I have so many, it’s hard just to pick one. An impactful teacher story, AP English teacher my senior year, Miss Kincaid. She had us write to ourselves about what our hopes for our future were. I felt like that was super impactful and super insightful of her … I’ll never forget that. To read (as an adult) your words as an 18-year-old, it’s always something that stands out.

Were you someone who liked school?

I’m social, so I liked the social aspect of school. I was a very smart kid on tests, but I didn’t always produce in the class, so I was not the straight-A kid. Freshman year, because I was social, I got three F’s in my core area: social studies, Algebra II and English … so I understand that kid because I was that kid. I’m always hypersensitive of people being gatekeepers of kids. I was Student Council President before I left Hillcrest. The only prom I attended was H-F’s. I was a different kid. I needed someone that was going to engage me. Miss Kincaid, I was really engaged in her class. Those kinds of experiences I think we need to make for all the kids.

Do you remember your first teaching assignment?

I do because I was not certified. I had the opportunity to substitute teach at Crete-Monee High School in fall 1996 in biology and chemistry. I was just subbing ‘til I could figure out my life. I was supposed to be a podiatrist and follow in my aunt’s footsteps and not be a teacher like my mom. I went in and I fell in love with it (teaching). I didn’t even know how to write a lesson plan, but I knew how to engage with young people, and I loved it.

Tell me about your family.

I’m in Flossmoor with my husband, Vernon Cole. My daughter, Madison, is going to be a junior in college next year. My mom (Antoinette Norrell) still lives in my childhood home in Hazel Crest. She and my father were born and raised in the Southland. Our families have been in the Southland since the 1940s.

Are you good with technology?

I’m average. I’m at survival level. I can navigate my way through most platforms … one of the silver linings of the pandemic is I had to get much better. No matter how much technology is at my fingertips, I learned there is a generational divide. I am a book person, a paper person. I have to have everything on paper. I prefer that, I like to write the old-fashioned way instead of doing everything techy, but I can survive. I just don’t prefer it.

What’s the last book you read?

“Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms” by Joe Feldman. I read stuff all the time.