Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of Lansing USD469. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Lorie Ketter, LHS Spanish Teacher
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: Starting my 7th year
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am beginning my 7th year at LHS and my 16th year overall teaching Spanish. Currently, I teach Spanish levels I-V, but I have taught as young as three year-olds in prekindergarten. I am the sponsor of the National Spanish Honor Society, and I am the assistant Cross Country Coach. In addition to these, I am the coordinator for the Seal of Biliteracy testing each spring semester. Every other summer, I take students and family members on trips to a Spanish-speaking country. This past summer, 23 individuals went to Costa Rica and explored and experienced the beautiful volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife the country has to offer in addition to ziplining, horseback riding, and relaxing in natural hot springs! It was an amazing trip where several of us experienced things for the first time.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: The best part about my job is seeing and hearing about my students using the Spanish that they have learned outside of the classroom setting. We visited a school while in Costa Rica and students had the opportunity to visit and practice their Spanish with peers their age. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip! Seeing successes like these makes me happy. Another proud moment I experience is when my students pass the assessment in order to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. This past school year, 20 students passed the assessment and will earn the Seal of Biliteracy after fulfilling graduation requirements. Last May, 13 seniors graduated with the Seal of Biliteracy in the world languages of Italian and Spanish.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring different cities and countries, going to all my boys' sporting events, and staying active by exercising.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: One instance that pops into my head right away is witnessing my students succeed and pass the test to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Twenty (!!!) of my students passed the assessment and will, or did, earn the Seal once completing graduation requirements.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Embrace making mistakes and learn from them to become a better individual.