Name: Katelyn Bares
What is your favorite part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the personal growth in my students. I usually get to teach my students for three or more years and I love watching them mature, grow in their confidence, and find their paths. Teaching life skills is especially rewarding because I always beam with pride when I see my former students successful in their career and family roles.
How many years have you been working at Kaplan High?
I started teaching at KHS in November of 2011 right after graduating from Louisiana Tech University. KHS is the only place I have ever taught!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy time with my family. I have two young children and being there for all of their big moments and milestones is so special to me!
What is something people would never guess about you?
I have a secret desire to homestead. It would be a dream come true for my family to be self-sufficient and off grid.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had amazing teachers who were my role models and very influential in my life. I was also a very active member of FCCLA in high school and that grew my passion for career and technical education. I loved the idea of being able to help students grow their leadership skills through FCCLA and Family and Consumer Sciences as a career!
Did you graduate from Kaplan high school?
I did not! I am one of the few outsiders on campus. I graduated from Dodson High School (Winn Parish) in 2007. My husband, Rob, graduated from Kaplan High in 2003 so I do feel a tie to our school and community.
What is your favorite TV show?
My favorite TV Show is Dateline. I am a true crime junkie.
What Grade levels and subjects do you teach?
I teach grades 9-12 and my classes are Family and Consumer Sciences I & II, Nutrition & Food, and Advanced Nutrition & Food.
If you had to pick another subject to teach, what would it be?
If I had to leave the FACS classroom, I would want to be a guidance counselor!
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is a week in the mountains during the summer. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and doing all the adventurous things with my family.
What are your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies are chicken-keeping, gardening, crafting, and DIY’ing.
What do you love about teaching at KHS?
I love our sense of community the most. Everyone on this campus really cares about each other. Our teachers truly want our students to be successful and we all work really hard to build relationships with our students to make sure their individual needs are being met.
Are you involved in any extracurricular clubs or sports at KHS?
I am the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) adviser. I have chapter, region, and state officers who plan and carry out events and projects on all of those levels. I also co-sponsor KHS Jr./Sr. Prom with Mrs. Mia.
Favorite Teacher Quote:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou