Katie Brown Visit

            Katie Brown, the Washington State Educator of the year takes a bold stance when people ask her when she will become an administrator. As the 2014 teacher of the year Katie is clearly in her prime as a teacher, but based on her blog, it seems like everyone wants her to move up the ladder already. I agree with her sentiment on the matter however, why should she stop teaching? She is innovative, energetic, and creative by all accounts; why ask this person to leave the classroom?

Katie is an English Language Learning teacher in Bellingham. She quickly became a celebrity however after winning the award. She has thrown out first pitches and even gotten to meet the president. As a budding teacher myself I love watching the successful and laudable teachers get recognition, but I am sad to hear that she is being asked so often to leave teaching. Administration is a noble calling, but not one I have even remotely considered as a teacher. My place is in the classroom with kids.

I look forward to meeting with Katie tomorrow. I am curious about her methods as a teacher and what specifically got her recognized as a standout teacher. I am also interested in her time in Alaska. She has spent time watching Native Alaskan elders share their cultural traditions. As an Alaskan and someone who has spent substantial time in rural villages I am wondering what educational knowledge she gleaned from her time there.

It is a fantastic opportunity to get to meet with Katie and learn from her. I am glad Eastern facilitates these opportunities for the teacher candidates to see successful teachers at work in schools and in our own college classrooms.