Join us every Tuesday for Teacher Tuesday as we highlight the incredible educators at A One-Room Schoolhouse. Meet our passionate teachers, learn about their unique journeys, and discover the magic they bring to our classrooms. Get ready to be inspired by their dedication and creativity.
Discover Kaitlyn Gorniak’s Impact at AORSH North Campus
At A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH) North Campus, we are delighted to introduce Kaitlyn Gorniak, our dedicated primary teacher and an integral part of our Franklin Park team. Kaitlyn’s journey in education is both heartwarming and inspiring, reflecting her passion for teaching and her commitment to nurturing young minds.
A Passionate Educator
Kaitlyn Gorniak is not only a devoted wife and mother of three wonderful children—Asher, Grace, and Eden—but also a seasoned educator with nearly 14 years of experience. She has been married to her husband for a decade, and together they have built a life rich in love and learning. Kaitlyn teaches in the primary classroom, affectionately known as the “littles,” where she covers ELA, Math, Science, and History on academic days. On elective days, she introduces students to life skills and STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), with a special emphasis on spending at a few hours outside every day, regardless of the weather.
Kaitlyn’s educational journey began at Slippery Rock University, where she earned her teaching certification in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education N-12 in 2010. Her career started in local public schools, where she supported students in life skills, learning support, and autistic support classrooms. She later found her awesome job at a private school for students with severe disabilities, where she learned to find the miraculous in everyday moments. Her motivation for pursuing a career in special education is deeply personal. Kaitlyn’s older brother, Jaime, who has disabilities, is her hero. His strength, resilience, and joy inspire Kaitlyn every day and have profoundly shaped her approach to teaching.
A Journey to AORSH
In 2020, when the world was in lockdown, Kaitlyn decided to open a small preschool in her basement for her oldest child, Asher, and a few of his friends. She crafted a curriculum tailored to their diverse needs, focusing on social skills, crafts, and holiday celebrations. This experience opened Kaitlyn’s eyes to a new way of learning that was more personalized and engaging than traditional settings. As she saw the profound impact of this approach on her own child, she realized that a hybrid model of education—one that combined classroom instruction with parental involvement—was ideal for her family.
When Kaitlyn discovered AORSH, it seemed like the perfect fit. The community’s high moral standards, parental involvement, and positive peer interactions resonated with her. She was thrilled at the prospect of her children receiving a top-notch education while still being deeply involved in their learning process. Kaitlyn’s son, Asher, has now completed his second year at AORSH and is thriving, coming home each day with enthusiastic reports about his experiences.
Classroom Highlights
Kaitlyn’s classroom is a vibrant, dynamic space where students engage in hands-on learning and explore a wide range of subjects. One memorable story from her classroom involves a lesson on renewable and non-renewable resources. After discussing the concept, Kaitlyn asked her students to provide examples of each. One little girl raised her hand and offered “love” as an example of a renewable resource. Kaitlyn’s heart swelled with pride at this profound insight, reflecting the deep understanding and empathy her students possess.
The multi-age classroom model at AORSH allows for unique interactions between students of different ages. Kaitlyn marvels at how younger students absorb complex information and how older students rise to the occasion to help their younger peers. This model fosters a collaborative learning environment where students work at their own level and progress based on their individual needs.
Professional Insights and Challenges
Kaitlyn has encountered various challenges during her time at AORSH, particularly the shift from traditional school settings with extensive resources to a more grassroots, DIY approach. However, she has embraced this challenge with creativity and resilience. Technology has been a valuable tool, enabling virtual meetings and resource sharing. Kaitlyn advises new teachers to focus on the essentials during their first year and to use resources like Pinterest and education Instagram accounts to find inspiration and support.
Looking Ahead
As Kaitlyn prepares for the upcoming school year, she is excited about implementing a hands-on approach for her struggling readers while continuing to follow the TGATB curriculum. Her goal is to plan a month in advance for slides, printouts, and other materials, and she is committed to training the most efficient volunteers to support her efforts.
Kaitlyn’s dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching make her an invaluable member of the AORSH family. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing, engaging learning environment aligns perfectly with the values and mission of AORSH. We are thrilled to have Kaitlyn at our North Campus and look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of her students.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from A One-Room Schoolhouse as we celebrate our amazing staff every Teacher Tuesday.
Do you want to see Mrs. Gorniak very week? Join her at the North Campus, we have a few more slots open for fourth grade and up!
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