Grade/subject at what school: Fourth grade, Prairie Trace Elementary.

Number of years teaching: Five.

Work email: kdegan@ccs.k12.in.us

Background/schooling: Bachelor’s degree, DePauw University, 2005; currently working on master’s degree of curriculum development and educational technology, Ball State University; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.

Why did you become a teacher: As an elementary student I was gifted, but lazy and disorganized. My teacher, Mrs. Mosbaugh, was the teacher of the gifted and talented class, and she continued to have high expectations of me even when I did not. When I got to middle school, I realized how right she was every time she tried to convince me to change my ways. Because of her, I knew how to succeed. I became a teacher to help children realize their potential and succeed in ways they didn’t know they could.

What goals do you have for your students: I want my students to love to learn. I want them to be inquisitive and comfortable enough in my classroom to ask questions and take risks. When they leave me at the end of the school year, I want them to walk away knowing they learned to be better students and better people because they took advantage of every opportunity presented to them.

What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills: Read, read, read. Read aloud together, have your child read to you or have your child read to the dog. Do anything to get them reading.

Name your favorite movie: “The Princess Bride.”

Name your favorite musician or band: Anything country.

What’s something your students might not know about you: I am a graduate of the Hamilton County 4-H program. I encourage every student to try it. That’s where I found my passion for training and showing llamas.