Meet Katie, Education maven and Special Education Academic Specialist:
Tell us a little bit about you:
I never really knew what I wanted to do (career wise). Then, in my mid-twenties, I started coaching club volleyball (I played in college). I fell in love with sharing my passion with younger women and teaching character and integrity through my craft. I decided to get my teaching certification and coach and teach in the public school system.
I became a middle school teacher/coach. I was teaching a reading class, and I had a couple students who received special education services. I realized I had a passion for creatively meeting the needs of students with disabilities, as well as being the voice that advocates for them.
I decided to get my masters in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum with a specialization in Special Education. I became a special education teacher for students with learning disabilities and autism.
After 8 years of teaching, I am now a Special Education Academic Specialist for my district. I support 20 campuses and the special education teachers in those campuses. I’m basically a teacher of teachers now. I support roughly 150 teachers, and I help, support, and train them as needed.
Lightning round:
My Maven Superpower is…
I would say invisibility. I get to advocate for teachers and students, and I guide them to be the best they can be. I’m not in the forefront anymore and make moves in the background to help the teachers and students in my district.
A fantastic book I’ve read lately is…
Atomic Habits
A self-care habit I swear by:
Taking a scenic walk with my dogs
My first job was…
A carhop at sonic….and I rollerskated
The best career advice I can offer is:
Set a plan and go after it. Your plan is not set in concrete (and will more than likely change). But set a plan and have a vision.
I feel most confident when…
Take care of myself and present myself in a way that makes me happy
My favorite local restaurant is…
Cork and Pig
One thing I’ve been binging lately:
The squid games
A fun fact about me is…
I can do the worm
A skill I most want to learn is…
Artificial Intelligence and how it can impact education
My favorite nonprofit to support is…
Anything autism related
Thanks for sharing all that!
Let’s finish up with a couple more questions…
Do you have a recent achievement that we can celebrate with you?
I’m relatively new to my current role, but I’ve gotten great feedback. I’m excited to grow and develop my skills.
What’s next for you? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I hope to advance to being a Special Education Coordinator.
Join Katie’s professional network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieking716