Katie Humason: Curiosity, Wonder, and Faith

Middle School science teacher Katie Humason brings curiosity, wonder, and faith into every lesson—inviting students to see God’s handiwork in the natural world and discover the joy of learning along the way. We think you will be encouraged by what she shares.

Education: Winona State University, BS, Medical Technology | University of MN-BSEd Secondary Education | Minnesota State University Mankato-MEd 

Hometown: Excelsior, Minnesota 

Years At Minnehaha Academy: 39 

Classes Taught:  7^th grade Life Science; 8^th grade Earth Science; Summer Programs; Coach FIRST Lego League (since 2016); 7th grade team leader 

Interests and Hobbies: Reading; watching birds; spending time with family.

Family: Husband, Craig; Sons, Andrew '06 (McKenna); Nathan '10; Matthew '17 (Alanna); grandchildren: Lincoln and Kaylee; Terrier mix dog: Wicket (named for the Ewok in Star Wars!)

Q. What do you love about your job? 

I love to learn—especially learning about the natural world and how complex and beautiful our world is. And I love middle schoolers. That makes teaching Middle School science a perfect fit for me.

Q&A

Q. Why did you choose to teach?

In kindergarten we were asked to draw what we wanted to be when we grew up. I didn't know how to draw an author, so I went with my second choice—a teacher. My sister and I grew up playing school, using the phone book to create class lists and using our paper dolls as students. In high school, I volunteered in Sunday School and worked with an amazing woman named Mary Berens. Mary inspired and encouraged me with the joy she took in teaching the youngest children in our congregation.

 Q. What is one small thing about Minnehaha Academy that makes a big difference to you? 

The community. When I was in college I could only dream of working in a community as loving and supportive as what we have at Minnehaha. 

Q. What is your hope for your interactions with students? 

I hope to instill in my students confidence in their ability to learn and do beautiful work, curiosity to keep asking questions, and awe in the magnificence of God's creation.

Q. How do you connect your faith with your role as a teacher? 

I teach about God's creation—we often just need to stop and stand in awe about the beauty of creation. I don't think I could separate my faith from my teaching—my faith guides my lesson planning, my interactions with students, and all that I do.

Q. What’s one "everyday" moment at school that reminds you why you love what you do? 

 No matter how challenging, boring, or fun a lesson is, there are always students who stop to thank me as they leave the room.

Q. If you could text your middle school self one piece of advice, what would it say? 

Look for the good in all of your classmates. Don't be afraid to get to know the kids who aren't in your friend group.

Q. What is one job that you would be terrible at? 

Sales—I would hate cold calls and trying to sell things to people. 

Q. What’s a small thing students have done that’s made a big impact on you? 

When I had to be away from school for several days, a couple of students greeted me when I came back with, "I'm so glad you're back." 

Q. What gives you hope? 

The students I teach. We so often hear about the problems with "today's youth." I find the students in my classroom to be kind, curious, hard-working, and motivated to learn. They give me hope for the future.