Name: Katy Harbison
Grade/subject at what school: Advanced Placement English literature and composition, Honors junior English and junior English, Westfield High School.
Number of years teaching: 17
Background/Schooling (college & high school):
WHS
Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from State University of New York at Oswego, N.Y.
Master’s degree in English literature from Butler University
Why did you become a teacher? When I was a little girl, whenever my mom couldn’t find me, I was usually holed up in my room reading a book. Because I love literature and because I love the energy and enthusiasm of teenagers, teaching English seemed like a perfect career for me. I also knew I wanted to have kids myself, so having the same schedule as my kids was a plus!
What goals do you have for your students? I hope all of my students will become lifelong readers and learners. I also hope they will be able to express themselves through both speaking and writing.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? Encourage teenagers to read. Try to get them to turn off the TV and open a book, magazine or newspaper.
Name your favorite movie. “The Sound of Music”
Name your favorite musician or band. Coldplay
What’s something your students might not know about you? WHS Principal Dr. (Stacy) McGuire was once a student in my Honors junior English class. So was fellow teacher, Mrs. (Alex) Gable’s husband.
