December 15, 2020
JCCC’s phenomenal instructors inspire teacher
Katie Gerlach’s 7th grade math students are bright, resilient, adaptive and motivated to learn. They inspire her during days when teaching online and in-person becomes overwhelming. Gerlach started her postsecondary education at JCCC and discovered an enthusiasm for teaching. She’s been helping her students “solve problems” now for five years and is currently a math instructor at Pioneer Trail Middle School in the Olathe public school district.
"As teachers we have been able to lean on each other and lift each other up on the rough days. We celebrate together on the great days. We really depend on each other.” — Katie Gerlach, 7th Grade Math Teacher at Pioneer Trail Middle School
“I had phenomenal teachers at JCCC who demonstrated the qualities of being a great teacher,” she said. “They were committed to effective curriculum, passionate about providing opportunities for their students to learn, and interested in us as individuals. I strive to show those same qualities to my students daily.”
When Gerlach attended JCCC, she played on the women’s basketball team coached by Ben Conrad.
“He showed us every day how to work hard, to be our best, how to respond to adversity and how to be successful in tough situations,” she said. That training from the court is serving Katie well as she resolutely drives students toward their goals during the pandemic.
“It’s been tough,” she said. “I miss seeing the students in person. I believe positive relationships at school are key for students’ success. It has been challenging to build strong relationships over Zoom, but as teachers we have adapted and come up with several unique ways to encourage connections.”
Katie believes students have accepted that this year is going to be unusual and they are still dedicated to working hard to learn and grow. She’s also witnessed incredible support from fellow faculty and staff in sharing ideas that work.
“As teachers we have been able to lean on each other and lift each other up on the rough days,” she said. “We celebrate together on the great days. We really depend on each other.”
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