Chandler Public Schools

Kathy Shupe is a preschool teacher at East Side Elementary.  She has been teaching for 12 years, eight of those in Chandler.  Born in Indiana, Kathy’s family moved to Oklahoma in 1981 when she was eight years old.  She graduated from Moore High School and says she still visits Indiana every year. 

Q.  When did you decide to become a teacher?  
A.   When I graduated high school I did not want to be a teacher.  My plan was to be a CEO of a large corporation…being the boss sounded like something I could do! It wasn’t until after I had children that I realized what an impact I could have in the life of a child. I found teaching to be very rewarding. To me, feeling like I am making a difference is more valuable than a big paycheck, not that a big paycheck wouldn’t be nice.

Q.  Give an example of a time when a teacher impacted your life:  
A.  When I was in the 5^th Grade, Mr. VanBuren was my teacher.  He always planned fun and interesting things to do.  I knew that he cared about me and that he enjoyed his job as a teacher.  He even sent me a postcard over the summer.  
My parents never told me I needed to make good grades.  They said, “Do you best, and if you make C’s it’s fine.”  I made A’s and worked really hard because I wanted my teachers to be proud of me.

Q.  What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?
A.   My biggest challenge as a teacher is getting others to understand the importance of Early Childhood Education.  Consciously choosing to talk with your young child and provide opportunities for learning, including them instead of sending them off to play alone, and offering chances to problem solve are all things that every parent should be doing…70% of all brain development occurs between birth and age 3.

Q.  What do you enjoy most about teaching?
A.  The people I work with…big and small!  Being someone’s teacher is a very big responsibility I try to remember that my actions affect all those around me.  I want my interactions to be positive. 

Q.  How would you describe yourself as a teacher? 
A.  I strive to be a teacher who is excited about learning.  I can’t expect them to be excited about learning if I’m not.  I try to put lots of thought and time into the things we are doing at school.  I also purpose to alter and adjust my lessons according to the current needs of my students.  They are so different every year!

Kathy and her husband Dan have two daughters: Sylvia (19) and Miranda (17), who is a senior at CHS this year.  She says nothing has been more rewarding to her than being a parent.  Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and shopping.