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Kathi Houtcooper Approaching one's 30th year of teaching one would think that it's time to slow down and maybe even retire? Every time the thought enters my mind it is crowded out with buts. But I haven't read that book. But I haven't tried that method. But I know there must be some kids who need me. But I would miss the hugs, the "ahh" moments, the smiles, my colleagues. The list goes on and on. From the moment I entered a classroom to teach a lesson back at Western Illinois University's lab school I knew I would love this job. My parents had talked me into teaching, "it's safe dear, it's good for a future mom," they said. Of course I had other plans; I wanted to be a lawyer. Thankfully teaching was the plan the Lord had for my life too. I have been teaching elementary school, teaching summer school, teaching gardening classes, teaching college classes and teaching Sunday school and loving every moment of it. I started my career in Deer Valley School District where I taught for 23 years. I taught in the primary grades. I loved all the experiences but feel teaching in the Multiage classrooms and Reading Recovery were outstanding experiences. I took a buy out offered by my district and ended up teaching again. I helped to open a charter school in Ahwautukee that was designed for K-2. Although it was a wonderful school with enthusiastic and involved parents it was in the early days of charter schools and eventually closed. Needing a job I just turned to the Lord and a friend said to try Joy. Joy needed a first grade teacher and I was chosen. For four years Joy has been a wonderful place of peace, joy and growing in my walk with the Lord. Happily I am now teaching in Kindergarten. I am originally from the Midwest but have lived in Arizona for over 30 years so we now consider ourselves natives! I was raised on a farm in Wisconsin and later completed high school in Illinois. I attended the University of Illinois for two years and graduated with a B. A. in History and Secondary Education from Western Illinois University. Later I received a Master's in Education from Arizona State University. I was trained as a Reading Recovery teacher in 2000. Learning for myself has been a lifelong process, just when you think you have it along comes a new idea, it's what makes learning exciting. I have been married to my husband Jeff for 37 wonderful years. We have a beautiful daughter Melissa. We feel blessed to be where we are in our life right now, because God is good all the time, all the time God is good. |
