Kathryn Goggio '08

Q:   Can you share the moment you realized that you wanted to be a teacher?

A:   I have always had a passion for teaching since I was young. Every summer as a child, I would visit my dad's classroom in Harlandale ISD. His love for working with elementary students was passed on to me through how much he cared for them and loved his job. I enjoyed helping him set up his library and play teacher as I envisioned a career working with children. That love never dwindled as I went through my schooling years choosing to be in education classes like Elementary Teacher Assistance in high school. I will always appreciate what my dad instilled in me to this day as it has shaped me into the teacher I am today.

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Q:   Can you share with us your experience in the UIW Teacher Education program? How did it prepare you for your career in education?

A:    Having graduated in 2008, I can safely say that the field of education has changed some since my time at UIW. Despite that fact, one thing that the Teacher Education program prepared me for was the relationships that need to develop with your students. Many students that walk into my class each year are in need of social-emotional development and positive adult relationships. You never know what may be going on under the surface for a student each day. I still remember to this day the lesson Dr. Moore had with our class about invisible "The Little Red Wagon" each child brings with them full of their personal experiences, highs and lows going on at home, and self esteem. The UIW program provided me many opportunities to work with students not only on an academic level, but a relational level. Many of the classes discussed the importance of building a foundational relationship with all students. The relationships that I make each year carry on throughout my students' time on my campus. I love the mornings when former students greet me for a quick hug before heading up the hall.

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Q:   What is your favorite memory from the Teacher Education program at UIW?

A:    There are so many good memories that occured during my time in the Teacher Education program. I enjoyed the classes with Dr. Moore and Dr. Campos learning different teaching skills and tools of the teaching trade. I enjoyed my placements on the different campuses for my observation and student teaching. I still use a lot of the tools the teachers shared with me on behavior management as well as student engagement during lessons. 

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Q:   How long have you been working in education?

A:   This is my 13th year teaching. Despite graduating in 2008, I struggled at first with finding a placement. During that time of waiting, I subbed at a variety of districts across San Antonio. It gave me ample "learning on the job" experience and led to my first job in 2011 as a 3rd grade teacher at Ridgeview Elementary after working as a long-term sub. Being a substitute teacher can really help you "get your feet wet" and help you make connections at different campuses. It helps you build your preferences as a teacher and see how different campuses run. 

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Q:   Tell us about your current position/job.

A:    I spent 7 years at Ridgeview growing to love 3rd grade. In 2017, my family moved to The Woodlands (a city close to Houston). There I worked for Cleveland ISD as a 2nd grade RLA teacher. This was my first time in a departmentalized grade level. From there I began to enjoy solely teaching reading and writing skills. I worked in Houston ISD as a 3rd grade RLA teacher and really honed my skills under the excellent leadership of the reading dean at Lyons Elementary. Wanting to work closer to home, I am currently at Turner Elementary in Willis ISD as a 3rd grade RLA teacher. 

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Q:   What do you love the most about your current job?

A:   This is truly my dream campus with amazing leadership and support from both administration as well as district curriculum coaches. I have enjoyed moving out of being in a bigger district and being departmentalized and at the moment I am really enjoying my time in the classroom. 

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Q:   What are your career goals for the next five years?

A:    As I have stated before, I am enjoying my time in the classroom. If the time comes that a change is needed, I do plan to look into being a district RLA coach or taking classes to become an elementary librarian. ​

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Q:    What advice would you give future educators or anyone considering a career in teaching? 

A:    My best advice is to ask LOTS of questions! If you are not sure of how something works on campus, ask! The best people to build a relationship with beyond your team (especially the team leader) and administration are the register (attendance clerk), the nurse, the principal secretary, front desk secretary, curriculum coaches, the nurse, a custodian, and especially anyone on your campus who is there for behavior support (counselor). Remember you are not in this alone and it's okay to reach out for help.