Hi there! My name is Ms. Katie. I teach in Oak Park School District 97 as a special education teacher. I have been a teacher for 14 years! I live in Elmhurst with my husband, daughter, and crazy pup. I am originally from Columbus, Ohio (GO BUCKEYES!) but have lived in the Chicagoland area for 10 years, 8 in the city, and the last two in Elmhurst. I graduated from the University of Kentucky (Aw C.A.T.S!) with a bachelor's in Elementary Education, then earned two master's, one from DePaul University in Special Education and another from Concordia College in School Administration and Leadership. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher and Wilson Reading System trained. I love learning, hence all my school experience, and helping others learn too!!

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Outside the classroom, I'm a nature lover who enjoys leisurely walks with my energetic pup and quality time at the park with my daughter. I'm also a food enthusiast, always eager to try new recipes in my kitchen. Traveling is a passion that allows me to immerse myself in different cultures and gain new perspectives.  

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I love teaching children to read and write, so I love working with young students so much! My favorite is watching students gain confidence as readers, writers, mathematicians, and independent learners. I love the "lightbulb moments" when students achieve and feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves! It's a fantastic gift to be a part of that and witness those moments in real time! Each child is a unique learner, and I love helping each student reach their fullest potential. For students to learn, things need to be fun! Using a hands-on approach to learning, students can access concepts to learn new skills in a fun, engaging way!