Kaitlin Staloch recognized as teacher of the year

During a convocation at Calhoun High School on Aug. 8, Hope High School teacher Kaitlin Staloch was recognized for her work and dedication by being selected as Region 3’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Presented to Staloch, alongside her family and Hope High School Principal Dwana Finister, as well as in front of a large gathering of CCISD staff, the award acknowledges the efforts made by the educator in her academic career.

“I was born and raised in Port Lavaca; my parents worked as emergency responders and my brothers and I grew up here,” Staloch said. “It feels a little surreal to be chosen for this, as I’m only a third-year teacher. I will say that it feels very nice to be recognized because I can honestly say that I have worked very hard. I think it’s clear how much passion I have for my profession and how much I try to go above and beyond.”

“Every year, we invite you to nominate your colleagues for a teacher of the award from each campus. We received lots of nominations, over 37 this year, and I am excited to announce that we have a winner from Calhoun County ISD,” Education Region 3 Representative Kim Schaffer said. “This is one of the ways for us to say thank you for all the hard work.

Staloch, who had previously studied to be a nurse and is a local from Calhoun County, said she was honored to receive the award.

“This is my third-year teaching at Hope High School; I originally went the path of nursing and went to nursing school for four years. I worked as a nurse for a short time during COVID and it just didn’t work out for me. Luckily, someone said ‘Hey, why don’t you try substituting while you’re in Port Lavaca?’ So I applied to Calhoun County ISD, got a substitute job, and immediately fell in love with it,” Staloch said. “At Hope, I teach the sciences, such as biology and AMP, but I then also oversee ingenuity for the other sciences. I also do a GROW club which is basically a social-emotional learning club.”

In addition, she spoke on behalf of Hope High School, praising the school’s mission and saying she was glad to represent it.

“I think the perception that they have of Hope High School is the school is where the bad kids go; but in reality, these kids are just needing somebody to give them a second chance, and I feel so honored to be part of that,” Staloch said. “I also want to say thank you to all the teachers who taught me because, without them, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am now.”