After three years at Pine View, economics teacher Kelley Krejnik is leaving to teach in St. Louis, Mo. The former Pine View alumna will work as a social studies teacher at Ladue Horton Watkins High School this fall.
“I think sometimes in life, an opportunity comes up. I told myself this would be the only school I would leave Pine View for,” Krejnik said. According to Krejnik, she has family in the St. Louis area, which influenced her decision.
At Pine View, Krejnik has taught several courses, including AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, seventh grade civics, global studies, Honors Economics, and Holocaust. When she began teaching at Pine View, Krejnik was already quite familiar with the school, having graduated with the class of 2001. “I have such a unique experience having been a student here, now being a teacher, and there’s a certain bond and connection I have with my students that I can’t replace,” Krejnik said.
After graduation, Krejnik attended St. Louis University for undergraduate school, attended Washington University for graduate school, and returned to St. Louis for graduate school again.
At Ladue Horton Watkins, Krejnik will be teaching tenth-grade World History and an eleventh and twelfth-grade Current Events elective. Krejnik said she is looking forward to the fresh start this opportunity is presenting to her. “[An opportunity like this one] is a chance for you to take the all the wisdom you’ve gained from your previous experiences to create something new again, even better than before, so that’s exciting,” Krejnik said.
However, Krejnik isn’t just looking forward to the educational and familial aspects of her new position. “A lot has happened since I’ve been gone. I want to be a part of helping my community heal and grow and move forward,” Krejnik said.
Before she leaves, Krejnik has some advice to give to the students at Pine View. “Celebrate the opportunity to learn together every single day. Make the most of the chance to be with students who are hungry to know and ask questions.”