Student Profile: Katie Krauss
Katie Krauss’ love of her favorite subject multiplies exponentially when she has the chance to share it with others, which is why she is working toward a career in secondary education at Alma College.
“Math was always something I was very good at and enjoyed doing, but in high school, I realized my favorite part of math was not the actual work, but instead, helping my friends understand [it],” she says. “I realized that being a math teacher made sense.”
The mathematics major says her Alma education has been much more than just problems and exercises, thanks to faculty like Tim Sipka, associate professor of mathematics, who challenge Krauss to be her best.
“Dr. Sipka makes his expectations very clear and gives you a lot of support if you need it,” she says. “He’s also very good at encouraging students to do projects that may be challenging but will benefit them with new problem-solving skills in the long run.”
The Jackson sophomore came to Alma because she knew the education program would quickly place her into the classroom. After completing a placement last year, she currently is placed in a local high school mathematics classroom.
“It’s a lot of fun to get into the classroom and have the opportunity to help the students learn challenging concepts,” she says. “Because of placements, I’ll be more comfortable in a classroom when I finally get my own. They have given me perspective and experience in different environments, and I’ve seen teachers adapt their teaching styles to the needs of their students.”
A member of multiple student organizations, including the Alma College Republicans, Hospitality Ministry Team and German Club, Krauss says her Alma experience has been both meaningful and memorable.
“At Alma, you can start doing what you love early on,” she says. “You really get to know your professors. I feel comfortable talking to any of them, even the ones that I haven’t had a class with yet. Alma has so many great people.”
