The West Prairie Press

By Grace Hinchee

Megan Pittman recently joined West Prairie as the Jr./Sr. High School Principal, bringing a wealth of experience in education and leadership to the Cyclone community. She is excited to get to know students, staff, and families while working to build a strong sense of connection and pride throughout the school. Below, Pittman shares a little about her background, why she chose West Prairie, and her goals for the year.

WP Press: Where did you grow up?

MP: I grew up in Adair, IL which is about 20 miles east of Colchester.  The McDonough County community has always felt like home, and I’m excited to be part of the area in a new way.

WP Press: Why did you choose West Prairie?

MP: I chose West Prairie because I see so much potential here — in our students, our staff, and the entire community. I was drawn to the small-school atmosphere, the opportunity to build strong relationships, and the chance to work with a team that is committed to creating a positive, student-centered culture.

WP Press: What are you planning for this year? What is a goal you have for students and staff?

MP: This year, I’m focused on building a strong sense of community and pride within our school. One of my biggest goals is to create more opportunities for students to feel connected — whether through academics, athletics, clubs, or leadership roles. For staff, I want to foster collaboration and provide support so that we can continue to grow together as a team.

WP Press: Where did you work before West Prairie?

MP: Before joining West Prairie, I served as the Assistant Principal at Galesburg Junior/Senior High School. Prior to that, I taught English and coached swimming in Macomb, so education and student success have always been at the heart of my work.

WP Press: What are your thoughts on West Prairie so far?

MP: I’ve been incredibly impressed by the kindness, resilience, and hard work of our students and staff. There’s a lot of pride in being a Cyclone, and I love the sense of community here. I truly believe we have the ability to do great things together.

WP Press: Where did you go to college?

MP: I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, and my JD from the University of Missouri School of Law, where I also completed a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. I later earned my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western Illinois University.