At Glenbard East High School, Jeffery Kargol has built more than just a classroom: he’s built a community. With over 30 years in education, his approach centers on connection, accountability, and continuous growth.
For Kargol, the best part about teaching at Glenbard East is the energy of the students and the building itself. He makes it a priority to create a welcoming atmosphere every day, often greeting students at the door and checking in with them.
By learning about their interests and finding small ways to connect, he shows students that he genuinely cares. He says one of the most rewarding experiences is watching students grow from freshmen into successful seniors.
Kargol had planned to stay at Glenbard East long-term and first joined as a department chair, seeing it as his next big step. He recalled, “I came here because it was a good place to be, and I loved staying here.” He hasn’t looked back since.
He builds these connections in simple but meaningful ways. By greeting students at the door each day, he gets a sense of how they’re doing and sets a welcoming tone for the class. He adds, “I like to try to know something about every student, asking about their interests so I can have a connection point.”
Over the years, Kargol has noticed changes in education, particularly when it comes to accountability. While many students remain highly motivated, he believes there has been an increase in apathy among some students.
He stresses the importance of helping students understand responsibility and preparing them for real-world expectations. “I’ve never wanted to stop learning… the day you stop learning is the day you stop living.”
As for the future, Kargol looks forward to more flexibility in his life. He hopes to spend more time with family and friends, enjoy hobbies like fishing, volunteering, and helping out more at home. After decades in education, he’s ready to create his own schedule and explore new opportunities.
Through his dedication and passion, Kargol continues to leave a lasting impact on the Glenbard East community, one student at a time, leaving students with a message he often repeats: “Get ’er done.”
