Katrina Ellis ’05, Biology Teacher, Olentangy Liberty High School

Teaching isn’t just a job for Katrina Ellis ’05. It’s a passion.

The biology teacher at Olentangy Liberty High School, in Powell, Ohio, enjoys thinking of new and fun ways to explain science to her mostly tenth-grade students. She makes up songs about nucleotides, gets them to build DNA chains out of paper, and acts out being an enzyme in front of the class.

“I have such a good time when I go to the classroom,” Ellis said, who has worked at Olentangy since graduating from BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Life Science. “I just feel like this is the greatest opportunity of my life.”

Ellis always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her mother taught elementary school, and as a child Ellis would accompany her to class and watch her work. She loved science too, thanks to her grandfather, an avid gardener who spent time explaining to her how plants grow.

 “I just felt that teaching was where I was supposed to be,” she said. “I always felt like I could make a difference.”

At BGSU, Ellis was thrilled not only with the teacher-preparation part of her program, but also with the instruction she received in science, from geology to genetics to snake husbandry. And she was surprised at how quickly she landed the job of her dreams. Thanks to a spontaneous conversation with Olentangy’s principal at the BGSU Teacher Job Fair, Ellis secured an interview before she’d even finished her degree.

“I just stopped by to say ‘hi’ and ended up with a job in one of the best schools in Ohio,” Ellis said. “It was pretty fantastic.”

Ellis’ passion for teaching is evident in her student’s test scores, and in the awards she’s received. Her students consistently perform above average in state exams assessing college readiness. In 2012, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year at Olentangy. And in 2012 and 2013 she was named as a Celebrate Teaching’s Distinguished Educator by national non-profit organization Battelle for Kids.

The teacher said she treats her students as if they were her own children, always encouraging them to do their best and doing whatever it takes to help them learn as much as possible.

“I put these kids before myself,” Ellis said. “I tell them: I have no children. You are my kids. I treat you the same as I would want someone to treat my children if and when I have them.”

 A statement posted on the bulletin board in her classroom says:  “You can do this. I will not give up on you. This is important.” It lets students know they can ask questions and count on her to explain things when they are struggling to understand, Ellis said.

The alumna said she often gets new lesson ideas by collaborating with other biology teachers at the school. At the start of each day the teachers discuss ways to improve lessons and boost student achievement, often coming up with new quizzes and classroom activities together, Ellis said.

In addition to her Bachelor’s, Ellis also holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University, and a Master Teacher certification from the Ohio Department of Education.

She recommended teaching to people seeking a rewarding career.

“It is a hard job, but if you love it, you’ll never work a day in your life,” she said. “It’s surprising the impact you make by the most simple things that you say. It’s an amazing field.”