Kathy Reckling is the new Spanish teacher at Fremont High School. A veteran educator with 20 years of teaching experience, she draws on her background in curriculum instruction and classroom management as she takes on Spanish for the first time.

Reckling was inspired to be a teacher by her mother—whom she calls “her first teacher”—who worked at an elementary school and made a significant impact on her. She was also inspired by her coach and physical education teacher.

Reckling earned her first and second master’s degrees from Dominican University and pursued additional graduate work in Human Resources at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Deeply invested in her students’ success both in and out of the classroom, she chose to work at Fremont after seeing an opening that aligned with her skill set. Her favorite part of teaching here is the positive impact she has on students academically and socially.

“[She’s] very energetic and always plans engaging activities,” freshman Ariana VanBuskirk said.

VanBuskirk is not the only student who believes that Reckling is a dedicated teacher.

“She’s a really good teacher and makes learning fun,” freshman Maddie Ostransky said. “She’s not super strict, but still has the classroom under control.”

Many students believe that Reckling has a natural talent for teaching and genuinely cares about her students. To celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month, she has encouraged both staff and students to participate in various activities. For the Day of the Dead, Reckling had her Spanish students create colorful skulls and ofrendas to honor their loved ones. Faculty members will vote on their favorite ofrenda, and the winning student will receive a prize. Stay tuned for coverage of the ofrenda results, which will be announced soon.