Each month at BHS, a staff member is chosen for “Staff of The Month.” The winner then selects the next month’s winner. Last May, English teacher Kathy Cook was the winner, so she chose Spanish teacher Katie Marten as the first recipient of the award this year for the month of September.

Marten teaches Spanish 1, 2, 3, and 4 and also coaches basketball and volleyball. She is well-liked by students for her fun and laid-back personality, but also working very hard to push students in learning a foreign language, something that can be an intimidating challenge. She has also sponsored many trips over the years with students to visit Spanish-speaking countries.

How long have you been teaching?

• “This is my 10th year of teaching.”

Was BHS your first teaching job?

• “Yep.”

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

• “My favorite thing is building relationships with students and helping them achieve things they didn’t think were possible. Sounds corny, but it’s fine.”

How many different countries have you visited and which one is your favorite?

• “I’ve visited 11-12 countries, I think. It’s hard to pick my favorite, but my trip to Argentina was amazing. I saw waterfalls, glaciers, and explored Buenos Aires.”

What activities were you involved in during your high school career?

• “Volleyball, basketball, Stuco, NHS, band, choir, musicals, and plays.”

What is one thing that you learned from your own four years of high school?

• “Things will get better. Also, learn how to write well and manage your time! Those are essential skills for college”

What are a few hobbies that you have outside of school?

• “I’m pretty good with plants, I guess. I also enjoy watching sports, lifting, reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and eating (can eating be a hobby?).”

Is there a fun fact or anything unique about you that students may not know?

• “I have a cat (yes, just one) named Gertrude. She has her own Twitter.

Final question, who wins in a 1v1 basketball tournament…you, Coach Martin, or Coach Toot?

• “Hmm. What’s the scenario? Is my shoulder 100%? Are there refs? Can we call our own fouls? Either way, pretty sure Coach Toot wins…”