The summer before her sophomore year in college, she was given an assignment in one of her classes to help an elementary teacher prepare her classroom for the upcoming school year. She chose to work with her third grade teacher, Ms. Lyle.
Pitman said she always wanted to be a teacher and envisioned herself in a classroom just like Ms. Lyle’s. But she’ll never forget the advice she received during those two weeks…Mrs. Lyle said, “Run away from education as fast as you can!”
Pitman continued to follow her heart. She also said that Mrs. Lyle was right…teaching is not an easy career.
“It’s hard work; there are increased demands, relationships, successes and failures of students,” Pitman said. “But for all of the challenges teachers face, great teachers find a way to be innovative and make their mark by changing the lives of their students.”
As a classroom teacher, Pitman helps students see their potential, helps them make positive choices in the classroom and in life, and provides them with inspiration.
“Teachers must face the obstacles and then focus on our mission in to teach, challenge, and inspire,” she added.
Picture Information
Curtis Elementary Campus Teacher of the Year Kati Pitman (left) and Weatherford ISD Education Foundation Past-President Donna Dickinson (photo by DERIK MOORE).