WVS Teacher - Kate Norby

Contact Info:
ktnorby@yahoo.com

Phone: 715-345-2869 (Home)

Courses taught at WVS:
Anthropology
World Civilizations 1A
World Civilizations 1B

WI Teacher Certification:
Broad Field Social Studies
History
Sociology

Educational Experience:
After receiving my teaching certification in 1992, I took a different path and worked as a social worker for nine years.  I served at-risk youth – specifically young women who were parenting or pregnant.  During that time I stayed involved in our local alternative school program and served as the school liaison and educational coordinator for young women in out of home placement.

Since leaving social work, I have been teaching for WVS, done a series of long-term substitute teaching jobs for at-risk students, and worked in homebound education.
In addition to my current employment with WVS, I teach Sociology and Marriage & Family face-to-face and online for Northcentral Technical College and teach online for Axia College (University of Phoenix).

Personal Info/Hobbies:
I have a very full life between work and family.  When I do have time to indulge in a hobby, I enjoy exercising, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Personal Statement about Online Teaching:
Teaching online is something I enjoy very much.  It gives me the opportunity to develop relationships with students from all over the state and I am touched to see them form relationships with each other as well.  In some ways, online provides the perfect forum for getting to know others – really getting to know them.  Gone are the first impressions based on appearance and the labeling that goes along with it.
One of the challenges of learning in the online environment is patience while getting to know the platform – some students feel frustrated at first and need extra encouragement so they don’t give up.  Other challenges include time management and self-motivation.