Congratulations to Kat Dennis, the November 2018 Educator of the Month from San Joaquin County Office of Education County Operated Schools and Programs (COSP)!
Kat began her career working for the SJCOE as a special education instructional assistant. She then became a substitute teacher, tutor, and is now on her 7thyear teaching at San Joaquin Building Futures Academy. Here is what Kat has to say about her experience as an educator:
What do you love about teaching?
Learning about my students and figuring out how to give them the best educational experience possible. I love making my classroom a safe space where students feel welcome and a place where they want to be, not have to be.
Why did you choose a career in education?
I have always enjoyed tutoring others in school and any job where I get to do science every day is the perfect job!
What is the best thing that has happened in your classroom in the past month?
The best thing this month was taking my Biology class out to the garden, picking fresh vegetables, teaching them how to prepare and cook them and watching them try the food, even if they didn’t want to. We made stir fried rainbow chard over rice with jalapeño and tomato garnish.
What are your students most surprised to learn about you?
My students are surprised to learn that I like to collect bugs, I don’t watch TV, and I have a lot of tattoos.
Who was your favorite teacher as a child? Why?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Morenzone because she made me feel special and included. I’m not sure exactly what it was that she did, but I remember how I felt when I went to her class and it was a place I wanted to be.