Girls Division math teacher, cross country coach, and role model, Mrs. Katz, took a brief moment from her day yesterday to share a few facets from her life to clue the student body in on who she is during a quick Q and A session for this week’s Teacher Tuesday.

What drew you to math in the first place?
Mrs Katz: Math was definitely always my favorite subject. I really like how concrete it is and how you get a right answer (typically). I also like the challenge of the problem solving aspect of math

Aside from loving the subject of math, why did you pursue a career in teaching it?
Mrs Katz: I think what really sealed the deal for me was my senior year calculus teacher, Mr Clagus [hopefully I spelled that right]. I loved his class and thought he was a great teacher and knew this was something i could see myself doing. There was Also the fact that I love the content and looked up to this teacher so much, but really, I also loved high school and loved the idea of working with students that age. I always knew a desk job wasn’t for me. I needed movement and interaction.

If you could’ve done anything else, what would it have been ?
Mrs Katz: When I was younger, and for a long time, there was something In me that wanted to learn how to be a pilot. I think now, later in life, if I could sustain it, I (tells stories about time teaching in Tanzania and Italy) have a definite passion for helping those without access to education. I’ve discovered that’s only way to break the cycle of poverty is through access to good education, so being able to be involved in doing that type of service would be great and something I’d very much like to do.

How did you end up back at Regis Jesuit?
Mrs Katz: Well, I started here then went to Saint Louis to Italy, back to Saint Louis and then back to Regis. I had started my teaching career here in 2000 in the boys division…(talks about events leading her back and her teaching endeavors). Kelly Doherty, the athletic director in the boys division called me when I was working in Saint Louis and asked me if I ever wanted to come back since there was a math opening. I decided that although I loved all the schools I’d taught at and their higher level of education, Regis had so much more than just the educational aspect and that was something I wanted to be a part of: the community aspect, the faith aspect, the service aspect, the diversity aspect, and really just the entire environment.

To conclude with a fun question, what is your favorite way (ways) to spend your time outside of school?
Mrs Katz: People would probably know since I coach cross country that I absolutely love running. I feel like these are boring answers but they’re true! I love traveling and exploring new cities and places and new restaurants, and then simply, quality time with friends and family…just whatever is going on.