By Dakota Williams
Katy Dutra is also one of the newer teachers at HMS. She was working at Columbia H.S., but she wanted to change to middle school, so now she is the 7th grade Language Arts teacher.
When asked what first interested her in language and literature, Katy answered, “I always enjoyed reading. As a child, I was read to every day. That is where it began.”
Her first interest in teaching started when she was an exchange student in Australia with people from Indonesia and Thailand. As a student, she enjoyed the subjects of English, Algebra II, Physics, and Dance.
“While working, I love to teach students to write,” Katy says, “and to connect them with a terrific book.”
She has been teaching for nine years and went to the University of Colorado at Boulder for her B.A. in English and her teaching certificate. She then attended PSU for her Master’s of Science and Education. Her hobbies include snowboarding, kayaking, reading, and running with her dog.
Monday, February 25, 2008
New HMS teacher enjoys reading, writing
Monday, February 18, 2008
Student joins HMS website effort
It will be a different type of writing for Dakota to pursue, who’s quite skilled for her age but who typically pens more creative work and not journalism or public relations.
“I wouldn’t mind writing a book,” said Dakota. “Usually in class if we write a short story, I’ll use a lot of descriptions, so it will be totally longer than the assignment or something totally different and unique. If I read the right kind of book, it will really make me want to write.”
Dakota’s interests and ambitions extend beyond the written word.
“I’m into art a lot,” she said. “I’m really into music, too. My favorite class is algebra. I like science, too.” Dakota envisions herself taking as many Advanced Placement courses as possible in high school.
Outside of school, Dakota’s interests also include her pets. She and her family have four dogs, two cats, and one fish.
“It’s really mean,” she said of her fish. “It eats all our other fish. That’s why we have only one fish.”
Recently hired teachers share background, motivation
(Editor's note: Beginning in Feb. 2006, HMS has hired several new teachers and also has had two teachers from Columbia H.S. join its staff. HMS website reporter Dakota Williams obtained information from them for a "Question-and-Answer profile." Two of the teachers are featured now. Other profiles will appear soon.)
Ursala Kirmani-5th/6th grade art, hired 2007-2008 school year
What started your interest in art?
I was born with it
What were your favorite subjects in school?
Photography, jewelry, and history
What first interested you in teaching?
Working with youth from Umatilla Indian Reservation led to awareness that she had the capacity to work with young people
What school did you go to?
University of Oregon in Eugene, OR and Heritage University in Toppenish, WA
How long have you been teaching?
19 years
What is one of your favorite things to do while working?
I enjoy one on one teaching and answering questions for individual students, because each student has unique talents
What are some of your hobbies?
Drawing, and developing art projects for students
Do you have any kids?
Two daughters
Gary McKinley-5th/6th Grade Blended Classroom, hired as leave replacement 2007-2008
What were your favorite subjects in school?
Math and geography
What started your interest in teaching?
I was a military instructor for some years and found it rewarding.
What school did you go to?
Austin High School and Hillsboro High in Texas, Drury University for both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Missouri, and Administrator's Degree through Heritage University in Washington
How long have you been teaching?
17 years
What is one of your favorite things to do while working?
Observe people/students and the way they interact with one another
What are some of your hobbies?
Golfing, sailing, windsurfing, and boating
Do you have any kids?
Two boys, one in college in Walla Walla, WA, and the other in the Coast guard in Sacramento, CA
