Toby Coates is beginning his first year at Rutland Elementary School, taking the reins as principal and teaching in the afternoons.

Q. Can you describe your job?


A. I work with everyone in the building to try to provide the best educational environment for our students. We have a caring group of people here who take great pride in what they do. I enjoy working with them to build relationships with our students. I also teach history classes for seventh and eighth grade in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to get to know the students on another level. I enjoy that time in the classroom. 



Q. How long have you been doing this?

A. First year as administrator. I taught and coached for the past 12 years. I taught in Pontiac and coached at Dwight, Streator and Pontiac high schools. I was fortunate to work for and with some very good people and learn from all these experiences. 



Q. How many hours a week do you work?


A. It varies

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Q. What is the best part of your job?

A. Working with kids and building relationships in the community.

Q. What is the toughest part?


A. Finding time in the work week to accomplish everything.

Q. What surprised you about this job when you started?

A. The amount of people who are so willing to help. The people here at Rutland are so wonderful to work with. They truly have the best interests of their students at heart. I witness great things from our staff on a daily basis. They regularly go above and beyond the call of duty without ever being asked.



Q. Can you describe your personal "mission statement" for your job?

A. I try to make decisions based on what is best for the students. Our job is to serve our students to the best of our abilities. The staff here at Rutland does a great job serving our students and community.



Q. Looking back, what are you most proud of?


A. Just the relationships that have been built through the years of teaching and coaching. In both areas, relationships are what form the foundation of our successes. Once you build trust and earn respect, the relationship can form. After those relationships are formed, the sky is the limit on how much you can accomplish. 



Q. What advice would you give someone training for this job?


A. Be a good listener, be honest, and treat people with respect. I also believe you must be willing to ask questions. Tapping into experienced resources can be very helpful.

Q. What community projects are you involved with?

A. Our Rutland junior high students have worked with Heritage Woods residents in decorating for Halloween. We are also going to Ottawa Pavilion later this month to spend some time with the residents. As things start to slow down a bit, I personally am looking forward to getting more involved in community events and projects. 



Q. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?


A. I hear the Cubs are looking for a left-handed bat. I don"t hit left-handed very well, but neither did Milton Bradley.

WORKING will be a regular feature in The Times. If you'd like to participate or know someone we should talk to, please call Associate Editor Tammie Sloup at 815-431-4048, or e-mail tammies@mywebtimes.com.