Herbers hired as new Sacred Heart School principal


Sacred Heart School welcomes a new face this school year, Principal Laura Herbers. After attending Catholic school herself growing up, and teaching for several years at Hennessy Catholic School in Petersburg, Herbers is looking forward to a new adventure. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     There is a new face welcoming students and staff to the start of the 2018-19 school year at Sacred Heart Catholic School.

     Laura Herbers officially took over the role of school principal on July 1.

     Herbers grew up in Worthington, Iowa, and now resides in Dyersville with her family.

     Her professional background makes her a great fit for a small-town Catholic school. From 2007-16 Herbers taught fifth and sixth grade at Hennessy Catholic School in Petersburg, Iowa. She then spent two years on the administrative team at Hennessy, 2016-18, essentially taking on the role of an assistant principal.

     “Unfortunately, the school closed,” she said.

     Hennessy was her first experience in education.

     “I loved everything about it,” she said.

     Herbers said when the opportunity came up to work at Sacred Heart, she jumped at the chance to continue her love of Catholic education.

     “It feels like home here,” she said.

     Herbers herself grew up in a strong Catholic family. She attended St. Paul School in Wortington during her early school years. She went to Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville, and then on to Loras College in Dubuque. While at Loras, Herbers received her undergraduate degree in education. She earned her master’s in education from Morningside College, then later Viterbo University.

     “I’ve heard nothing but great things about this community,” praised Herbers. “Everything is true.”

     As the summer winds down and the start of the school year quickly approaches, Herbers said there has been a lot of hustle and bustle in the hallways of Sacred Heart. She’s looking forward to seeing the students walk into the school building on the first day of school, Aug. 23.

     “I’ve missed being around kids and I look forward to getting to know everyone,” she said.

     Herbers has already met with the teachers and staff at Sacred Heart, and said she’s excited to “see them in action.”

     Her job as principal entails “everything.” She serves as an instructional leader, guiding the teaching staff, and manages the day-to-day operations of the school.

     “I’m happy to take what is already great and make it even better,” she said of Sacred Heart’s reputation.

     As a parent to young children, Herbers said she’s honored to have the parents of Sacred Heart entrust their children in her care.

     “I am able to put myself in their shoes and understand the sacrifice of sending their children to Sacred Heart,” she said. “It’s an honor to know they value the quality of education here.”

     Herbers said it’s fulfilling to work in education where you’re making a difference in the lives of young people.

     “You’re knowingly making a difference,” she said, “and that’s rewarding. You help shape these young people’s minds, hopefully beyond Sacred Heart.”

     Herbers and her husband Tim have two kids: Oscar, 7; and Millie, 4.

     “I love spending time with my family,” she said, “exploring new places and meeting new people.”

     In her free time, Herbers enjoys watching the Cubs and reading.

 

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