Profiles

Kathy Hoekenga, Grade 5 Teacher

Years in education: 28
Years at Trinity School: 20
Education:
B.A. in Pyschology, California State University Hayward
B.A., Multiple Subject Credential, College of Notre Dame

Kathy’s Mission:
Kathy guides students to love reading and learning and to become passionate, life-long learners. Kathy wants her students to develop respect for and understanding of others and our environment. This will lead them to empathy and a sense of responsibility to their local and global communities. She encourages strong critical thinking skills and the ability for students to formulate their own questions while they search for, think through, and discover answers. Kathy helps students practice and develop the academic skills needed to become confident learners as they transition to middle schools, where they will hopefully make a positive difference in the world.

The experience that informs Kathy’s teaching:
As an educator, Kathy has participated in numerous conferences and workshops, applying new ideas and knowledge to educate students in our rapidly changing world. She brings the experience of teaching in special education classes through San Mateo County and Children’s Health Council, and in grades 4 and 6 in Palo Alto. Her volunteer experience working with refugees from Southeast Asia, students in China, and street children in Ukraine began her continuing appreciation for service to and learning from other cultures. Kathy taught Sunday school, coached soccer, and led Girl Scouts. She is now a proud grandmother, learning again through her two grandsons.