PUSD alum joins Prescott Mile High Middle School staff and strives to impact her students’ lives
By Tara Fort • Photo by Heather Desousa
Though only in her second year as math teacher and Student Council Advisor at Prescott Mile High Middle School, Katie Winter is no newcomer to the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD).
Katie, who attended PUSD as a student from kindergarten through twelfth grade, feels lucky to reap the benefits of the seasoned educators who she now works alongside. “There are so many teachers from my past who are now my co-workers. This has given me the chance to continue to learn from them and educate others from the experience I gained as a student. I hope to become this kind of teacher for my own students.”
PUSD Superintendent Clark Tenney said, “We could not be prouder to have one of our own Prescott High School graduates return home to Prescott and emerge as a Teacher Leader at Mile High Middle School. Katie is creative, dynamic, and passionate about student success. Katie Winter is a superstar!”
Katie cites the impact on her students’ lives as the most gratifying part of working in the district. “Even after my first year, I have students who reach out to thank me for being the support they need to succeed in high school. When I hear a student cheering, ‘I get it now!’ I appreciate that those small comments are what keeps my heart beating for this job.”
Like many women, work-life balance can be challenging at times, particularly for someone who immerses herself in her role and who loves her job as much as Katie does. “I have a strong passion for the work I do, making it hard to leave work at work. I am realizing and recognizing the importance of taking care of myself, and not overwhelming myself, so that I can give more fully to my students and to others.”
To keep herself grounded, Winter keeps busy with Scout, her very active Border Collie puppy, as well as doting on her nieces and nephews and helping her grandparents with activities during the week. Her volunteer contributions to Prescott Firefighter Charities and Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo as the Assistant Chairman for Tickets give her an added community connection. She said, “Life always seems to have something going on.”
Working with some amazing educators brings inspiration and positivity to Katie’s life. “Being a part of the PUSD faculty feels like being a part of a large family. My co-workers are the first to offer support and advice on how to move forward when situations feel stagnant or challenging, and they are also the first ones to celebrate the classroom victories with me. In only two years, some of my colleagues have already become lifelong friends.”
For more information about Katie Winter and the Prescott Unified School District, visit www.prescottschools.com.