About Kate: Highland resident. Bachelor's degree in secondary education with concentration in history, geography and sociology from Indiana University in Bloomington. Employed by School City of Hammond. Member of St. James parish in Highland.

Accomplishments: Kate McMahon teaches sixth-grade social studies at Gavit Middle/High School. Curriculum focuses on the western hemisphere with significance on Canada, South America and Latin America. McMahon tries to keep classes student centered with differentiated learning and lots of activities. She incorporates supplemental materials and connects curriculum as often as possible. "It really helps the kids grasp the idea so much better," she said. McMahon talked a lot in class about the primary election last year and next year's instruction will focus on the election. She also enjoys involving students in debate and discussions. "These kids will ask such amazing questions and when you allow them to speak it makes them more comfortable speaking in groups, they relate to the material better and it really advances their thinking on all levels," she said. McMahon was pleased with her first-year teaching experience. "It was absolutely amazing. I know this is the career for me," she said.

Personal hero: "My mom. She teaches sixth-grade social studies at Gavit. We teach down the hall from each other. She's a great teacher. I strive to be a lot like her."

What I read: "I love to read everything. I'm having a very Jane Austin summer."

Advice: "You can do anything you want. You just need to be happy."

Why I'm in education: "I like to be there for the kids. It's so exciting when a student grasps a concept. And I want them to know somebody cares about them."

People might be surprised to know: "I have a purse addiction."

-SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com