Teacher Feature: Kate Bruner

By Barbara P. Jacoby

Kate Bruner’s career path was inspired by her own teachers as a Cherokee County School District student.

“I decided to become a teacher in first grade. I loved that year so much and was so inspired by my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Reach,” she said. “After first grade, I felt that I had some of the best teachers who continued to inspire me to become a teacher. It was a desire that I had at a young age, and it continued to grow the older I got.”

She has found great success over her seven-year career, earning the respect of students, their parents, and her colleagues. Last school year, she was named Teacher of the Year for Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. She then was selected as one of only four Cherokee County School District Teacher of the Year finalists by a panel of community leaders and retired educators.

Bruner, who teaches fifth-grade math, science, and social studies, also previously earned her school’s Game Changer Award for excellence and innovation in classroom instruction.

“Each year, I try to implement new, innovative things inside my classroom. When there is a new professional development program, I take what I learn and go back to my classroom to try it with my students,” she said. “I want to continue improving what I do each and every day, so that they get the best possible educational experience. I like to use real-world, interactive simulations to get students to really buy into what they are learning.”

She frequently sponsors student clubs and serves on faculty committees, with an emphasis on how to help students and colleagues feel included and valued. Bruner also volunteers in the community, including as a Woodstock City Church small student group leader, a group she has led since its current high school juniors were sixth graders.

“I believe the best way to get students excited about learning is to be excited myself. I believe that students can feel the energy of the teacher,” Bruner said. “If I, as the teacher, am excited about what I am teaching, the students are going to be more excited about what they are learning. I also try to put everything that I am teaching in context. I want the students to know the ‘why’ behind what they are learning, and how they can apply it to situations outside of school.”

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?

“There is so much that parents can do to help their child be successful at school!” Bruner said. “Being involved in your child’s academics is a huge factor for success for students. Being in communication with the teacher, encouraging and helping your child with their work at home, and making sure that your child is at school every day is pertinent to their success as a student.”