Teacher Feature: Kathy

Kathy has been with the team since 2017. She is warm, engaging, and builds phenomenal relationships with her students! A parent recently wrote to us to share this great feedback about their work with her: “Kathy was wonderful. She quickly established rapport, and ease, with our son and he felt comfortable collaborating on an action plan for getting him organized."

Learn more about Kathy below.

About Kathy

Kathy graduated from UC Davis with a degree in political science. She continued her education at UC Davis to earn teaching credentials in both social studies and English and a masters degree in education. Kathy spent four years as a middle school history teacher before moving into full-time home-schooling. 

She is currently an education specialist for private homeschool families in K-12th grade and is an expert in ensuring a perfect fit between the families she serves and the curriculum that drives their student’s learning. She teaches all levels of history and English. Additionally, she is an expert in coaching study skills. 

When Kathy isn't teaching, she can be found traveling, hiking, or reading.

Q & A with Kathy

When did you start teaching and why?
I have known I was going to become a teacher since Kindergarten career day!  As a young child, I would line up my stuffed animals and instruct them on any topic I knew how to explain. When my younger sister was born, I loved showing her how to crawl and sound out letters and words. I participated in 4-H as a Jr. Teen leader throughout middle and high school, and as an undergraduate lead a gardening elective at a local charter school.  Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I immediately enrolled in the UC Davis teaching credential program and completed my Masters in Education. Since becoming a certified teacher, I have taught in classrooms in Redding, CA; Brooklyn, New York, and San Jose, CA. I have since left the classroom to better support k12 private homeschool students in a 1:1 environment.

What’s your favorite subject to teach and why?
My favorite subject to teach is social studies. I love the opportunity to explore cultures within our immediate communities and around the world. My curriculum is designed to celebrate the unique qualities of past civilizations, while also analyzing what our modern society has built upon and embodied from the past. My students analyze and explore themes that transcend across civilizations and span across the centuries to facilitate the embodiment of global citizenship and social responsibility. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching with Pacific Preparatory?
I love working with Pacific Preparatory because the curriculum can be completely personalized to meet each student's individual needs. Students can move at their own pace and pursue what interests them most in their studies. Having previously taught in traditional classrooms I have personally been able to witness how Pacific Preparatory's individualized lessons can be a catalyst for educational growth. This educational model allows me, as an educator, to create engaging lessons with greater flexibility to target specific skill-building goals.  

Can you tell me about a specific time when you saw a student thriving at Pacific Preparatory?
This year I worked with a student who, at our first meeting, explained his reluctance to engage in artistic pursuits. However, throughout the year he showed remarkable growth in this area. The student's desire to create illustrations and detail-oriented work has steadily increased throughout the year. On two occasions, I altered my lesson plans to allow the student extended time to create large, detailed illustrations that emphasize his mastery of historical content. I was very happy to allow these time extensions as they show the student's dedication to his work, attention to detail, fine motor skills, and allow him to pursue new interests. When we concluded the school year I asked him what his favorite activity was, he responded: “all of the drawing.” I am so happy Pacific Preparatory allowed him this opportunity to develop a new skill and passion.

What are your top 3 book/resource recommendations in your subject area?

What is your favorite activity to do outside of teaching?
I have so many favorites! Within California, I love to hike and camp within the forest- whether in Big Sur, Lassen, or the Avenue of the Giants, there is something peaceful about being surrounded by trees and stumbling upon hidden waterfalls. Domestically, I have found the crystal clear lakes of Glacier National Park to be one of the most inspiring landscapes. Internationally, it is difficult to decide between the urban pursuits of Berlin, Germany and the exotic wildlife of the Okavango Delta of Botswana!

Supporting Educators, Private School, Online SchoolPacific Preparatory Staffteacher feature, pacific preparatory instructors