Let me introduce myself—I'm Katie, your guide through this adventure. I have a background deeply rooted in education. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's in Instructional Leadership, and participant in regional Writing Project Network. Throughout my career, I've worn many hats, from being a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher to taking on roles as an instructional coach and an assistant principal. I was also a Leader in Me Coach, based off the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. In 2018, I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year for our Region, a recognition that fills me with pride and gratitude.
One of the highlights of my educational journey was my participation in NAATE (National Academy for Advanced Teacher Education) at Yale University, where I engaged in case study-based teaching approaches that enriched my perspective on education in profound ways.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I wear another significant hat—I'm a proud mom to a lively 3-year-old, Ellei. Parenthood has opened up a whole new world of learning, and I'm here to share my experiences, both the highs and the occasional chaotic lows.
But there's more to me than just my educational background. In May of 2023, I made a life-changing decision to step away from K-12 Education for a multitude of personal reasons, which I'd be happy to share with you privately. My primary motivation was to have more quality time with my daughter. While I didn't end up becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent, I did gain the flexibility and freedom to work on my own terms and provide the support my daughter needs.
My partner, whom I'll introduce shortly, and I embarked on a business venture in June of 2022, and to our delight, our business has flourished. So, while I took a step back from the field of education, I found myself taking on a more prominent role in as the Business Manager for our non-emergency medical transportation company.
Now, let's talk about what drives me. I'm passionate about nurturing my daughter's academic growth while allowing her to flourish developmentally. Education isn't just about numbers and letters; it's also about fostering motor skills, both gross and fine, teaching self-help skills, nurturing social-emotional intelligence, and introducing basic concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers. I firmly believe that a well-rounded education encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, from articulation and problem-solving to behavioral and cross-curricular knowledge.
In this space, I'll be sharing my insights, tips, and experiences as I navigate the delicate balance of pushing my daughter academically and supporting her holistic development, all while embracing the delightful chaos of toddlerhood.
Now, let's dive into our family. We may be small in number, but we're undoubtedly mighty—a resilient trio. Charles, the rock of our family, is the most supportive partner one could ever ask for, and he's genuinely excited about my journey with this blog. While he may secretly hope that my writing will help me talk less (or perhaps not!), he's been nothing but encouraging. Charles is Nigerian-American and his heritage brings a rich cultural tapestry into our lives, constantly weaving a beautiful and ever-evolving dynamic into our household. Together, my daughter and I are on a journey of discovery—learning about customs, traditions, and the language he patiently imparts to us. Witnessing our daughter eagerly embrace these lessons warms my heart, and I can't wait to see how quickly I'll catch up.
Meet Ellei, our lively and clever three-nager. She's a bundle of energy and curiosity, always ready for the next adventure. Her favorite pastime? Without a doubt, it's painting—she's quite the creative spirit. If not painting, some sort of creative option. Lately, she's taken a keen interest in cooking, eager to help mom in the kitchen. Ellei's love for learning extends to her fascination with words, as she delights in picking up new vocabulary. She's our little mover and shaker, constantly on the go. Ellei's admiration for the 'brown little mermaid' reflects the importance of representation, and she's living proof of its positive impact. Her girly-girl personality is equally matched with a spirited attitude, showing that she's not just a pretty face. Miss Independent, she's determined to do things on her own before seeking help, and her sense of humor shines as she giggles at her own jokes!
Moreover, I'm deeply passionate about equity, inclusion, and inclusivity. I'm also dedicated to fighting against the cradle-to-prison pipeline and providing support to individuals, whether they have an educational background or not. Ed-U-Katie Corner is a place where everyone is welcome, where we champion equity, and where we stand together to break down barriers.
So, whether you're a fellow parent, an educator, or simply curious about the intersection of education and parenting, you've found a welcoming corner of the internet. Join me on this adventure, as we celebrate the joy of learning, the messiness of life, and the boundless potential of our little explorers. Together, we'll embrace the beauty of education in all its forms, revel in the incredible journey of parenthood, and champion the cause of equity and inclusivity for all.
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