By Callie Kozak
In the eight years she has been the Clinton Elementary School principal, Ellen Leuthauser has become loved by students, administrators, and the community.
Recently, Leuthauser announced she is retiring, making this school year her last. The constant positivity and care for the elementary students that she puts forth every day has made a lasting impact on Clinton that will surely sustain past her term.
Leuthauser came from a family of educators; her father was a science teacher in New York Mills and her mother, a librarian at Notre Dame. Her original career ambition was not education, but healthcare.
While working at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital during high school, Leuthauser also completed an internship working with kids. “I loved the children. They gave me great joy,” she said.
After the realization of her love for kids, Leuthauser decided to switch her career focus from healthcare to elementary education and attended SUNY Oswego.
Leuthauser’s first job after graduation from college was teaching third grade at the St. John School in New Hartford. Her first class was made up of 13 children, and to this day she can remember every one of their names.
After one year at the St. John School, the school closed and Leuthauser decided to take an adventure cross country before acquiring another teaching position. She spent two years living in California.
“You’ve got to have an adventure in life before you become an adult,” said Leuthauser, advising young people to live their life to the fullest.
Returning to Central New York to spend more time with her family, Leuthauser started her 18 year teaching career at Stockbridge Valley Central School. There she taught second, third, and fifth grades all for one year each.
Then she taught kindergarten, her favorite…
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