NEW TEACHER SPOTLIGHTS
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you came from?
I grew up in Hingham, MA and was a member of the class of 2020 at the University of Rochester. There, I majored in physics with a minor in math and I was a captain of the cross country and track and field teams. I have always loved to teach and sought out teaching roles at a young age. I spent six summers teaching sailing in Hingham from the summer after my freshman year of high school to the summer before my junior year at Rochester and I also did a lot of teaching as a Boy Scout before that. It wasn't until I became a teaching assistant for an intro physics class in college that I fully realized my passion for teaching, and that's what led me to be at Sturgis today!
How did you first hear about Sturgis?
I was searching for high schools looking for physics teachers and found a listing from Sturgis. I had never heard of the school before, but after doing some research I realized that it was a perfect place for me to start my teaching career. Talking with people from the school confirmed that idea, and I'm very happy that I made the decision to come here!
Have you ever been involved in an IB school? If not, how has your experience been so far?
I have never been involved with the IB program before. My high school had AP classes, so that's what I'm most familiar with. One of the biggest things I've noticed so far at Sturgis is how much the teachers care about their students, and I think the IB program helps to attract those types of teachers to Sturgis. I also think the IB program allows students to study things they are truly interested in. It gives the student more control over their own education and empowers them to dive deeper into what they're learning. Having been a student so recently, I appreciate that every person at Sturgis is encouraged to actively participate in their education.
What inspired you to teach physics?
In my high school biology classes I had always been frustrated by the lack of explanation behind things. I was always asking, "Okay, but why does that happen?" In a lot of circumstances, chemistry was the "why" and for that reason I found it incredibly satisfying. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that I was beginning to have the same kinds of questions about my chemistry classes, and found that physics seemed to be the reason behind it all. I have never been left unsatisfied by the answer to a "but why" question in physics. I am fascinated by the way physics is everywhere in our lives. I'm always trying to understand how or why things happen around me, and my understanding of physics lets me do that.
That's why I studied physics, and why I'm so passionate about it, but studying physics and teaching it are very different! As I mentioned before, I've always loved teaching and I've done a lot of it in my life, but the real reason I want to teach physics is to give other people the opportunity I did to study and understand something that I find so fascinating. I was very lucky in high school to have a fantastic physics teacher, but a lot of my friends in college did not have that experience. Those were the people who thought physics was boring or too hard to understand. I know that anybody can understand physics, but they have to believe they can do it. I had a teacher who helped his students feel that way, and that's what I hope to do for my students.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
Outside of school, I still run every day. Even though my days competing in college are over, I plan to continue training and racing competitively at the half marathon and marathon distances once races can happen again. I also typically sail once or twice a week when the weather is warm enough, but that was cancelled this year because of the pandemic.
What are you looking forward to most this school year?
This year, I'm most excited to connect with my students. I have already met so many incredible people in my classes and I can't wait to get to know everyone better and have fun while learning!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you're from?
I’m a Massachusetts kid. I grew up in a small town called Medway, off Cape. I left Massachusetts when I was 18 for college. Since then, I’ve lived outside of Washington DC, criss-crossed the country campaigning for Hillary Clinton, worked at an all-girl's boarding school in Baltimore (with Mr. Wojtowicz!), taught abroad in two foreign countries (Egypt and Argentina), and traveled to over sixty countries on six continents.
I prefer to go by Katie in the classroom, so Sturgis students should feel free to call me that. Mr. and Ms./Mrs. feels a bit gendered to me and how I identify (although, I’m ok with she/her pronouns). I also want students to know that I see myself as an educational coach or guide rather than an authority figure.
What made you decide to pursue teaching?
I believe the best possible place for positive, progressive social change occurs through the education of young people. I sort of fell into teaching in 2008, fell in love, and never left.
What led you to become a teacher here at Sturgis?
My husband and I left Argentina in March due to the pandemic, in part to be closer to my mom, who still lives in Massachusetts. I was taking a year off from teaching to finish my Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) in fiction & creative nonfiction from Bennington College and really missing the classroom. When I saw the Sturgis opening for this year, I jumped at the chance to live in my home state, contribute positively during the pandemic and work at a school with a similar educational philosophy to my own (“IB for All”).
Can you tell us about your prior experience teaching the IB curriculum?
This is my twelfth year teaching IB History. I’ve also taught IB Global Politics and IB Geography. At my last school, I served as the IB Coordinator where I helped all of our students participate in the diploma program: 80% pursued the full diploma with a nearly 90% pass rate. I also serve as an IB examiner for History for Paper 2 and the Internal Assessment.
What do you most like about history?
My favorite part of history is deconstructing the rich (also old?) white male version of history I was taught in high school with my students. I enjoy introducing them to the voices and perspectives of historically overlooked or purposefully marginalized groups: people of color, indigenous communities, women, immigrants, the LGBTAI+ community, socialists and communists.
What do you like to do in your free time?
More than anything else, I love to read — fiction and poetry, especially. I’m also working on a collection of short stories about desperate expats and a series of essays about gender, bi-sexuality, money/class, and the expat experience. I also love weightlifting/working out while listening to political podcasts, running, cycling, tennis, and golfing with my husband, an outdoorsy, bearded Canadian.
We at StormWatch would like to wish Ms. Coleman the best of luck as we enter this new school year. We’re happy to have her as a member of the Sturgis community!
Save the date if you dare: Thursday, October 29th at 5:00pm. Email Chris Luz Roque at [email protected] to RSVP or with any questions. See you there!
Become a Global Citizen Through the Spanish Language Cultural Club
By Caroline Curran, Editor-in-Chief
The Spanish Language Cultural Club allows students to celebrate the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. The service component provides students with the opportunity to become active members of the Sturgis community as well as global citizens. In past years, the club provided an array of activities, such as hosting movie-viewings in Spanish and fundraising for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.
Bring your ideas for this year’s activities to the meeting on Wednesday, October 21. All students are welcome. You do not have to be taking Spanish at Sturgis. Meet new friends and share your perspectives for the club! Let’s make a positive impact together. Please email Caroline Curran at [email protected] with any questions. The google classroom can be joined with the following code: og3h26j
In an email to the parents of Sturgis students, Directors of Athletics Jim Barrasso and Scott McNair explained some changes underway to adapt this year's fall sports to the global pandemic. These changes include the shortening of sports seasons, particularly breaking up the fall into Fall 1 and Fall 2. Fall 1 is the current season, with Sturgis’ soccer, field hockey, cross country, and golf teams playing. The Fall 2 season starts on February 22, 2021, which will include the start of volleyball games. Safety precautions require players and coaches to wear masks during practices and games, with designated mask break areas that are distant from other players. Also, less contact will be allowed during games.
As a field hockey player myself, it has been amazing to see the excitement from players both returning and new as the new season progresses through the fall. The practices and games so far have been incredible. Positivity has been the defining characteristic of this sports season, and it will definitely be one to remember.
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This is a free application that gives access to the total amount of financial aid that is available to you as you apply to college.
2. Make a Spreadsheet to Record Your Extracurricular Involvement
Keep a log of all clubs and organizations which you belong to. In addition, write down the dates and hours you participate in these activities.
3. Have a Designated Calendar for Deadlines
Print a calendar for the college admissions process which is separate from your school planner. By being aware of deadlines, you will be able to stay on top of what you need to do rather than falling behind.
4. Find a Workspace to Dedicate to the College Process
Choose a spot in which you work only on your applications and essays, different from your school work space. Finding a quiet, separate area will help you focus and concentrate to get your tasks completed.
5. Make a Folder for Each School You are Applying To
Organization is key! In each folder, keep your admissions counselor’s contact information, passwords for the school’s portal, and any promotional materials sent to you by the college.
6. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Make sure to read and reread your entire application, including essays and short answer questions. Ask a friend, parent, or teacher to review them as well.
Best of luck to all Sturgis Seniors wherever your future leads!