Faculty Focus is a student life series featuring a faculty member at Coppell High School, rotating by department each week.
Coppell High School Health Science teacher Kathryn Womichel uses her medical background to engage her class and teach her students medical procedures.
What inspired you to become an educator?
I never thought I would be a teacher. Both my parents were teachers, as my dad taught at a university and my mom became an elementary school teacher after working at a museum, so I wanted to avoid becoming an educator. But, when I was taking a sabbatical from a clinic, I decided that if I wanted to make a difference in health care I had to start from the beginning. Teaching kids to find the same joy and passion that I love in health care is what made me want to become an educator, and I love the idea of being able to teach and help other people find their purpose in life.
How would you describe your approach to working with students?
My approach to working with students is slightly different from other educators, as I came here with a clinical background. In order to gain respect from students, you have to treat them with respect. When going into the medical field, people have to make decisions on their own, and treating students as adults until being proven different is my main focus on how I approach students. Students need to learn how to think and make their own opinions without the aid of an adult figure.
What is a memorable moment from your time at CHS?
Since this is my first year teaching here, I really enjoy experiencing high school from a teacher’s perspective. I enjoy going to football games and seeing my students participate in activities they enjoy doing.
What do you love most about working at CHS? What are your goals for this school year?
One of my favorite things about CHS was when I had my interview with Principal Laura Springer about my position. Springer’s desire to make sure that we are all a family, making sure everyone has a chance to be seen, heard and validated has made me love working at CHS. For this school year, my goal is to make sure students have learned to think for themselves whether they choose to go into healthcare or not. I want them to do what makes them happy, and in healthcare education, it consists mostly of memorizing textbook knowledge but teaching students to be able to think critically is important as well.
What advice would you give to new staff members at CHS?
To socialize and meet as many people as possible, even if they are staff outside of your department. I believe there is a lot to be learned from everyone, so allowing yourself to talk and socialize can teach you new things. Taking the time to have conversations and engage with others can expand your knowledge, making your experience more fulfilling.
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