English teacher Katherine Cook has been a longtime instructor at BHS, inspiring students through literature, writing, theater/drama, and even in her role as Forensics coach. She was selected as Teacher of the Month for her dedication to her students both in the classroom and in the theater department.
Q: What was your reaction to being elected Teacher of the Month?
A: “I felt humbled. It was a complete surprise. After the news sank in it took quite some time before I could quit smiling.”
Q: How does winning Teacher of the Month make you feel about the way your students view you as a teacher?
A: “I am grateful that students find value in what I try to share with them. I have so many dreams for my students. I want them to to leave my classroom and BHS with the skills they will need to be successful wherever they go and whatever they do. If I correct grammar or refuse to accept late work it is because I want them to be prepared for what comes next in life. I want to help them open the doors to the best schools and the best jobs.”
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: “I became a teacher because I loved school, I loved learning, and the people who merited the greatest respect in my life were teachers.”
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: “I am truly blessed that I am fortunate enough to teach. I wish everyone could love their job as much as I do. I love getting to share knowledge, to create opportunities, to help students experience new worlds and to discover their capabilities. There is also a more selfish pleasure; I get to perform. Recently a former classmate asked me if still acted and I replied that I was on stage every day. Teaching is performance art at its best and I get the lead role in my classroom.”
Q: If you could give your students one piece of advice what would it be?
A: “Good enough never is. Do your best on every task or assignment. This is training for life. You may grow up, but you won’t grow out of the habits and character traits you develop here. Be the best person you can be each and every day, and expect great things of yourself.”