Spotlight on Teaching Staff

Katie Bardwell, Elementary 

Special Education Teacher 

 

“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” 

~ Winnie The Pooh

Katie (Bukovic) Bardwell is in her fourth year as Elementary Special Education teacher. She grew up in Illinois and Indiana. Her family moved to Leonard, MN just before she started 9th grade. Katie graduated from Clearbrook-Gonvick, class of 2000. She attended Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State University and completed a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is in the process of completing her Master of Science-Special Education.

Katie lives in the area with her husband, Leslie Bardwell, her children, and her puppy, Wrigley Field. Between the two of them, they have four children, Kaitlynn (Ben and Nora), Dawson (11th grade), Raymond (9th grade), and Kayla (8th grade).

Why did you choose to be a teacher? I remember having a conversation with an advisor about wanting to see a change in education. I was told that if I wanted to see that change happen, I needed to become a teacher and help make it happen. So I did, and little did I know, I found my greatest desire and strength is working with kids with special needs.

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick? I have worked a variety of jobs. I’ve worked at a retail store, as a waitress, pharmacy tech, siding and windows, stay at home mom, a Head Start teacher, and I started out as a paraprofessional before going to school to become a teacher.   

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick? My students are the best part of my job. I am lucky enough to work with students that I can learn from daily. They teach me. I like it when I can help my students learn about their strengths and weaknesses, embrace them, and grow as a person. What I like even more is when my students teach me about my own strengths and weaknesses, help me embrace them, and grow as a teacher.    

What is the biggest challenge of your job? The biggest challenge would be lack of understanding and education. It is hard to understand a person’s disability, but sometimes it’s even harder for them to understand their own disability. The biggest reason someone doesn’t understand something is due to lack of education. It is challenging to help my students understand their strengths and weaknesses while trying to help others accept these strengths and weaknesses.

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why? If I could have any job in the world, I would LOVE to be an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter. I can sit and watch someone sign for hours. I’ve always been fascinated and intrigued by sign language.

 What do you do when you are not working at the school? You can find me outside doing a variety of things. When the weather is nice, I can be found outside enjoying it. I enjoy biking, walking, running, working in my flower beds, and gardening. I do enjoy spending time with friends and family especially when there’s a lot of laughing going on. I enjoy watching the Cubs and Blackhawks. I can also be found shopping, I like shopping.

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community? This community has a lot of people that contribute in a variety of ways. There are people that contribute their time, constantly donating their time to better this community. Clearbrook-Gonvick is full of people that care and strive for a safer place to live. It takes a lot of time, funding, energy, and desire to better a community, and Clearbrook-Gonvick certainly has a lot of people that step up to the plate.    

 

And now a few words from the students about Katie Bardwell  from the students....

What do you think Mrs. Bardwell (Katie) was like when she was in elementary school? “She was a rule breaker.”  “Happy” “One of those excited girls” “Very nice and fair and truthful” “A trouble maker” “Good at what her teacher told her.” “Happy!”

What do you think Mrs. Bardwell (Katie) does when she is not here at school? “She runs.” “Runs a lot” “She does stuff with her family” “Running and plays with her puppy.” “She runs” “She lays down in bed because she doesn’t feel well. Or She goes running”

What job do you think Mrs. Bardwell (Katie) would have if she was not a teacher? “A shoe model or #1 cubs fan.” “Be a gas station worker or a marathon runner.” “Some kind of a leader” “She’d work at McDonalds” “An artist because I think she’s really good at art.” “A puppy trainer.” “Working at the Pharmacy.”

What is the best thing about Mrs. Bardwell (Katie)? “She is always encouraging.”  “She is a good teacher.” “She always shows mercy.”  “She’s the best.” “Her working with kids.” “ She is really nice and she helps kids learn in her room.” “She lets up play games.”

What do you think is Mrs. Bardwell’s (Katie)’s favorite thing to do? “Visit.” “Running.” “Help her kids and chill out.” “Running.” “Dance.” “Spend some quality time with her family. “Work at the school. And play games with me!”

What is  Mrs. Bardwell (Katie)’s favorite thing or things to buy when she goes shopping? “Shoes and gum” “Running shoes.” “Probably clothes.” “Shoes.” “She likes healthy food.” “Jellybeans because she brings them to school.” “Shoes! And M&Ms.”

What is one thing Mrs. Bardwell (Katie) ALWAYS says?  “Right, right, right” “Don’t interrupt.”  “Make good choices.” “Feet on the floor.” “No running in the hallway.”  “Do your work.” “You should get to work.” “Feet on the floor!” “No Running!” “Work hard!”