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Can you tell us about yourself? 

"Hi, my name is Katie. I am a teacher at Porter Elementary. Um, we are in Mesquite, Texas and this is my eighth year." 

Why did you start a career in education?

"Um, I started my career in education because, um, I always knew kind of that I wanted to teach and I had great mentors that helped me along the way and guide me to know for sure that's what I wanted to do." 

If you could have any other job what would it be and why?

"If I could have any other job, I think it would still be something that had to do with with kids or, or helping people, um, grow. I love the growth part of it." 

How are kids different now than 30 years ago?

"Kids are different now than 30 years ago for sure because of, uh, um, multitude of things. Parenting is different than it was 30 years ago." 

How is teaching different now than 30 years ago?

"Teaching's different now because I feel like the same things, the state's done different things. Um, technology's made a big difference. I can do everything that I want online. I don't have to take books out and make copies and things like that." 

What would you tell someone who wants to become a teacher?

"I would tell someone who is thinking about becoming a teacher to know that it's tough, you'll cry. Um, you'll be angry sometimes, but just seeing kids is worth it." 

What is one thing you would change to help kids learn better?

"And one thing I would do to help change, help kids learn better is meet them where they're at. It's my biggest philosophy."