Coudron named Owatonna Teacher of the Year

For language arts teacher Katie Coudron, teaching is all about raising up the next generation of readers, writers and educators.

Coudron was named Owatonna Teacher of the Year at the Owatonna Education Association (OEA)’s May 8 banquet.

The honor has caused her to reflect on her 20-year career in education.

“I am one of those people who knew I always wanted to be a teacher. I played school when I was little,” said Coudron.

Coudron started teaching English at Owatonna Middle School in 2004. Aside from serving as a classroom teacher, she’s also been a teaching and learning coach and served on the district-wide Teaching and Learning Team, where she supervised student teachers from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She returned to teaching middle school English several years ago, and also teaches Introduction to Education at Owatonna High School.

“We are blessed to have Mrs. Coudron on our team at OMS. She is an incredibly talented educator who connects with and inspires her students. She shares the gifts of her enthusiasm and love of teaching with her students and colleagues. Mrs. Coudron accepts all people for who they are and she treats each person who comes into her presence with dignity and kindness,” said OMS Principal Christina Mattson.

Coudron said her own teachers served as mentors to her when she was young, inspiring her to do the same for others. She singled out her third grade teacher Mrs. Hanson for setting a great example for what a teacher can be.

She finds working with young people energizes her, and middle schoolers in particular are “quirky and fun and different every day.” Sometimes she finds herself having deep, meaningful conversations with students and something she simply enjoys their silliness.

One of the things Coudron appreciates about middle schoolers is that they’re still exploring their own identities and learning about themselves. As an English teacher, she’s thrilled to watch them connect with literature on a personal level or learn to express themselves.

“I have always loved to read myself. I am definitely a learner and a reader. I think part of what drew me to language arts in particular was trying to help kids find their love for reading, and also writing. It’s really fun to teach the writing process and to help kids develop their voice and find different ways to share their ideas. It’s so personal for every kid,” said Coudron.

Coudron said working with students who are considering a career in education has been another highlight of her time as a teacher. As these budding educators are placed in elementary classrooms for support, she gets to watch them “fall in love with teaching.” Even when her students find teaching isn’t for them, she said they walk away with a deeper appreciation for what teachers do.

Coudron said teachers don’t always know the impact they have on students, but the OED banquet gave her a glimpse. Before the award was announced, the finalists were treated to a video of their colleagues and students sharing kind words about them. She was brought to tears, and later found herself “speechless” when she was announced as the winner.

She shared a table with her fellow finalists Heather Bae, Liza Drever, Ray Heinz and Kristi Rohman.

“It’s an amazing and humbling honor. I was among amazing colleagues that night,” said Coudron.

Coudron was treated to another round of celebration when her students learned of the honor.

“When the announcement was made the next day, they cheered and then said, ‘do we get the day off?’” she laughed. “Well if I don’t get the day off, you don’t get the day off!”