Publications & Sites 
Peterhansen stepping down from teaching
Barb Peterhansen of Norridge, a first grade teacher at Pennoyer School in Norridge who is retiring after 19 years, teaches a lesson on phenomic awareness to her students, including Amin Kadic and Logan Gabor. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
After more than two decades of teaching, including time as a school board member, Barb Peterhansen, of Norridge, is retiring at the end of the school year.
The first-grade teacher has worked at Pennoyer Elementary School in Norridge for 19 years and was a substitute teacher at area schools for several years before that.
“I’ve been fortunate to see education as a child, as a parent, as a teacher and as a board member,” Peterhansen said.
She was a board member for Norridge School District 80 — which includes Giles and Leigh Schools — for 16 years, including a term as board president.
Although she’s also taught second and third grade, first grade is her favorite.
“I enjoy seeing the sparkle in children’s eyes when they first learn to read,” she said.
Last year she received a teaching award from OfficeMax, which included a box of supplies for her classroom.
Once she retires, Peterhansen plans to travel with her husband and enjoy her two grandchildren, but leaves open the possibility of being a substitute teacher again.
“I’ll truly miss being around children and watching them grow,” she said. “Ever since I was in first grade I wanted to be a school teacher.”
— Ryan Pagelow
