In less than a year, Katelyn Hornseth has carved out a place for herself at Duclos School. A recent graduate of the University of Alberta, Hornseth began teaching at the school as a substitute in May 2024, quickly transitioned to a full-time Phys-Ed role in June, and has embraced a variety of other teaching roles since the start of the school year.
"This year has felt like three or four years of experience compressed into one," Hornseth said. "I’ve taught multiple grades, covered different subjects, and learned so much from the staff and students here."
Hornseth is currently a long-term substitute in Grade 2. During her time at Duclos School, she has displayed adaptability, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to providing positive experiences for her students.
Duclos School Acting Principal JoDee Conrad praised Hornseth's dedication and initiative.
"We do not often recognize enough those we rely on in a pinch! Katelyn has stepped into numerous challenging positions with full commitment from day one. Whether she’s organizing the gym storage room in PE, benchmarking literacy skills in grade four, or engaging students in numeracy intervention, she always goes above and beyond," said Conrad.
Education has always been Hornseth's goal. Inspired by her mother, Cindy, who also works at Duclos as the school's librarian, she grew up immersed in the world of education.
"I always knew I wanted to be a teacher," she said. "My mom would ask me if I was sure because teaching has changed so much over the years, but I stuck with it. I did work experience in high school, worked as an Educational Assistant, and completed practicums in multiple grades. Now, looking back, I feel like I’ve come full circle — Grade 2, where I did my high school work experience, feels like home to me."
Hornseth has built strong connections with both students and staff at Duclos School. The mentorship she has received from experienced teachers like Heather Hebert and Kathie-Lee Gibbons has been invaluable to her as she incorporates their expertise into her own teaching practices.
"I’ve learned so much from them," she said. "Being able to observe, collaborate, and take pieces from what they do has been so helpful to me."
Hornseth remains eager to grow as an educator. She enjoys the variety and flexibility of substitute teaching, but her ultimate goal is to have a classroom of her own.
"One of the best parts of this year has been the relationships I’ve built," Hornseth said. "Some of my Grade 4 students from earlier in the year still come visit me at lunch. Seeing those connections carry over, even after moving into a different role, is really rewarding."
With her enthusiasm, adaptability, and passion for teaching, Katelyn Hornseth is making a lasting impact at Duclos School, and NLPS is proud to recognize her as the Staff Shining Star for the month of March.