She's been teaching kids to love science for 26 years. Now she's nominated from thousands across the state for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Award.
Ellstern Middle School's 7th grade science teacher Kathy Prophet has a passion for making learning fun.
"I figure as long as I'm having fun and teaching and learning with the kids they they're having fun and learning too," said Prophet.
Prophet teaches through games and hands-on activities.
"We even have a bean bag football throw that they do and if they get it in they get so many points. If they answer the question correctly. So we try to mix it up and make learning fun," said Prophet.
Ironically, Kathy's creative teaching style began with her own distaste for the subject.
"To be honest with you when I was in school, science wasn't my favorite subject and I thought this could be interesting. There's got to be a better way and so when I got the opportunity and found out about hands-on things like that, I thought, that's the way to go," said Prophet.
And it's that hands-on approach Principal Angela Coats says makes a difference.
"Kathy is a very non-traditional teacher. She brings science alive through labs, hands-on activities. She's very creative and probably the most technological teacher we have in our building. She really stays in tune with what the kids are interested in and their mode of learning," said Coats.
Kathy Prophet is humble about her nomination, and even more humble when asked, "What if?" It's never about her, but about how she can make a difference for others.
"If it should happen, I'd be ecstatic. I will be very happy because I know that doing that. With it comes the opportunity to make a difference."
Principal Coats says Prophet has been a huge asset even outside the classroom. In just five years, she has helped the school receive over $100,000 in technology grants.
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a ceremony on November 6th at the Governor's mansion.
Ellstern Middle School's 7th grade science teacher Kathy Prophet has a passion for making learning fun.
"I figure as long as I'm having fun and teaching and learning with the kids they they're having fun and learning too," said Prophet.
Prophet teaches through games and hands-on activities.
"We even have a bean bag football throw that they do and if they get it in they get so many points. If they answer the question correctly. So we try to mix it up and make learning fun," said Prophet.
Ironically, Kathy's creative teaching style began with her own distaste for the subject.
"To be honest with you when I was in school, science wasn't my favorite subject and I thought this could be interesting. There's got to be a better way and so when I got the opportunity and found out about hands-on things like that, I thought, that's the way to go," said Prophet.
And it's that hands-on approach Principal Angela Coats says makes a difference.
"Kathy is a very non-traditional teacher. She brings science alive through labs, hands-on activities. She's very creative and probably the most technological teacher we have in our building. She really stays in tune with what the kids are interested in and their mode of learning," said Coats.
Kathy Prophet is humble about her nomination, and even more humble when asked, "What if?" It's never about her, but about how she can make a difference for others.
"If it should happen, I'd be ecstatic. I will be very happy because I know that doing that. With it comes the opportunity to make a difference."
Principal Coats says Prophet has been a huge asset even outside the classroom. In just five years, she has helped the school receive over $100,000 in technology grants.
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a ceremony on November 6th at the Governor's mansion.
