Faculty Focus is a student life series featuring a faculty member at Coppell High School, rotating by department each week.
Coppell High School English teacher Katherine Krug uses her experience as a former head coach to push students towards success in the classroom. Krug aims to give her students a space to breathe in the midst of their hectic high school lives.
What inspired you to become an educator?
When I started middle school, I saw what a difference it could make in kids’ lives and it was very rewarding. I played softball in college [at Sam Houston State University] and just got into coaching, and coaching really got me into teaching. I was always a coach and an English teacher, as I had a minor in English so that is why I chose to go into English.
How would you describe your approach to working with students?
I listen to the students and understand them, trying to meet them where they are. I give them structure and practice, making them feel comfortable. We just practice, practice and practice.
What is a memorable moment from your time at CHS?
All the kids who make me laugh are memorable to me. One specific memory I have is when I taught and coached [class of 2016 alumni Julia Sircar] who asked me to be her five percent representative at the top five percent ranked students dinner. She was a very smart young lady who played for me for three years and just stood out to me.
What do you love most about working at CHS?
The kids are really funny and it is wonderful helping students reach their full potential. I have been here for 22 years now. Principal Springer is a great friend of mine and I really enjoy working with her. I have a lot of great friends here that I’ve worked with for many, many years.
What are your goals for this school year?
I’m always looking for growth, always wanting kids to get better at life, improve their grades and in some way, always move forward. In the sophomore English class, we focus a lot on the STAAR, which is expository and argumentative writing, so we are looking to move forward in that.
What advice would you give to new staff members at CHS?
Give grace to kids. I give them a fresh start every day, and I don’t hold any grudges, encouraging them to keep learning in my classroom. Sometimes they are afraid to learn so be a bit forgiving. It is hard being a kid in these times, so I think you have to be understanding, listen to them and give them grace when they need grace.
Follow @CHSCampusNews on X
