Katie Beals

Katie Beals, the new Spanish teacher at Newton Community High School, took an unusual path to teaching. After finishing college this past spring, Katie knew she wanted to do something different with her degree. While most graduates with a language degree land careers as translators or working for humanitarian projects, Katie had felt a pull towards teaching since she was young. The child of a principal and a special education teacher, Katie had spent years tutoring her peers in Spanish, nurturing a growing passion for sharing knowledge. Her love of Spanish started in Mrs. Hasty’s classroom at Robinson High School, inspiring her to take summer courses at Lincoln Trail College. This path led her to Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish. Upon discovering Newton Community High School’s urgent need for a new Spanish teacher, Katie applied with enthusiasm.

Eager to revitalize the Spanish language program, she recognized the challenges ahead. Language teachers are a rare find, and students had been learning Spanish through an online program for the past few semesters. “It’s about meeting the kids where they are,” said Beals, referring to the difficulties she faced as the new Spanish teacher. Most students were still at a level I comprehension of the language and were missing a key part of learning a language—the cultural component.

Katie began by enriching her lesson plans with other disciplines, such as art, history, geography, and even math. This semester, her students engaged in creating colorful ofrendas to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos and dove into the histories of Spanish-speaking countries. They also learned about Spanish artists like Salvador Dali. Later in the year, a friend of Beals from Costa Rica will visit the classroom to talk about life in Central America.

When asked why it’s important for students to learn about other cultures, Beals replied, “Spanish is more common than a lot of people realize,” and “It’s about expanding their horizons to include the diverse tapestry of global cultures.” While Newton is a small town in a rural area, it is home to many migrant workers on local farms and even has three Mexican students in Beals’ Spanish classes. “I had someone question the relevance of learning Spanish, believing they’d never need to use it,” Beals recounted. “I reminded them by pointing out their classmate, a native Spanish speaker, emphasizing that these connections are all around us.”

Additionally, political discourse has found a place in Katie’s Spanish class. Many of her students have strong opinions about issues facing Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. Beals integrates these topics into her curriculum and ensures that discussions remain respectful of all political opinions. She recently facilitated debates on whether Puerto Rico should become a state and the rights of Mexican farmers in the US. Katie instills the importance of empathy in every discussion, nudging students towards a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

With this innovative and inclusive approach to the Spanish program, Katie is making a significant impact at Newton Community High School. There are currently about 150 students enrolled in levels I, II, and III Spanish classes, and Katie aims to add a level IV course once there are enough students. She is also looking forward to continuing her education and pursuing a Master’s degree. Watching the program develop under her guidance will undoubtedly be exciting, and perhaps she will inspire her students to follow in her footsteps, just as Mrs. Hasty inspired her, creating a beautiful cycle of educational influence.