Graham teacher wins state award for distinguished work

Graham seventh and eighth grade science and social study teacher Katie Setty said working in the school district she grew up in is “pretty cool.”

Setty received the Battelle for Kids 2017 Celebrate Teaching Distinguished Educator Award. She was given the award for being an outstanding teacher.

“To be close to home and have the ability to interact with kids that are part of the community that you see at the store or at the fair and to be part of the school district that your children go to is a neat experience,” she said.

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This award is an opportunity to honor a teacher for more than raising the academic standing of students, Graham Superintendent Kirk Koennecke said.

“It’s a reminder that the people who are excellent teachers put more time into their own learning, exploring curriculum, taking advantage of leadership opportunities, and spending more time on students than others,” he said. “Katie consistently demonstrates excellence in all these areas of our profession and impacts the culture of her district in these ways.”

Setty will travel to Columbus on June 8 to be recognized for the honor. being a teacher is a dream come true, she said.

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“I always wanted to be a teacher, since kindergarten,” she said. “My mom was a teacher and I just always loved working with kids and it was the natural path. There was never anything else.”

Setty grew up in Graham Local Schools and graduated from Wittenberg University twice, first for her undergraduate degree and then later went back for her Master’s. She started teaching in a Toledo school district before moving back to raise her family near Graham.

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“What I think makes Graham special is that it is a small community,” Setty said. “Most of the people have been here for a long time. People know people and they are willing to help. I like that small country feel.”

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