Ascension School teacher Kathleen Douglass recently received a 2017 Heart of the School award from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
According to a press release from the archdiocese, Heart of Excellence award winners like Douglass “foster the highest quality of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Through rigorous 21st century instruction, awardees demonstrate an ability to motivate each student to reach his or her greatest academic potential.” Douglass, 30, of Chicago, teaches fourth grade at the Oak Park Catholic school; she was one of 18 educators to receive the award from the diocese this year. She answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves on May 18.
Q: What’s your teaching background?
A: I’ve worked at Ascension for six years. I’ve been teaching for eight. My first four years here, I taught first grade. When there was an opening in fourth grade, I made the switch. I’m wrapping up my second year with fourth grade. My first job, I taught second grade in Riverton, Utah. I’m very lucky to work with Mary Jo Burns, Ascension’s principal. She’s been an amazing principal.
Q: What does receiving this award mean to you?
A: I was just completely surprised. Hearing how exciting it was for our school … it was very touching, seeing how many people were thinking of me. Our faculty is unbelievable. That’s why I was so surprised. We care about our kids so much. And that’s the community here at Ascension. Everyone gives and helps and contributes as much as they can. I’m so appreciative and grateful to be a part of this community. I can see why people love Oak Park.
Q: What’s the best part of the job? What do you enjoy most about teaching fourth-graders?
A: I’ve got to be cheesy and say the kids are the best. … They’re really coming into their own personalities. They still like to have fun, they’re happy to be here every day. I do love teaching science. I think they realize how much is out there. Fourth-graders, they are dynamite.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
