The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

For the past five years, Big Sandy's first grade students have been taught by the energetic and cheerful Mrs. Katie Hanson. Mrs. Hanson was born and raised here in Big Sandy. She cites a long term relationship and deep familiarity with the community as two of the major reasons she loves teaching here so much.

When asked her feelings about teaching in Big Sandy, she describes it with one word: "Awesome." Her reason is that our town is "...a tight knit group. Everyone focuses on the kids. It's awesome to have the same goal." Her favorite aspect of the life at FE Miley Elementary School is the bond the teachers share. "The teachers are all together. We're all on the same page, so the kids are all on the same page. We're all just one big unit."

Katie has a bachelors degree in K Through 8th Grade Education from Northern. She originally wanted to minor in Special Education work, but the school didn't offer it as a focus. Eventually, she would like to start a Masters Program for Principal Licensure, though she will probably wait until her kids are older. "It's a lot of time and you're dedicated to it. I feel like I'm here at 7 or 7:30 most days, and I'm here until 5 or 5:30, so the last thing I want to do is more class."

Katie originally set out to become a veterinarian. Though, she explains that she also wanted to start a family. In addition, teaching was always in the back of her mind as a career choice. In the end, teaching won out because of the school schedule. Having summers off allows her to focus on working the family's ranch and spend more time with her kids, which are a source of joy for her in life. In the evenings, she enjoys going horseback riding with her husband and children. She has loved the ranch life since she was young, working summers at the Sheehy ranch. Her 4-year old loves riding, and her youngest is already learning to ride. Her husband enjoys roping.

The Hanson family started when Katie Owen married her high school sweetheart, CJ Hanson. The couple now has two children, Jordan (4) and Jade (18 months). Though she loves spending time with her family, she occasionally finds teaching first grade with young kids at home challenging. Her solution is twice weekly CrossFit workouts to burn off the excess stress.

Mrs. Hanson also explains that she loves vacationing with her family. Every year, they go on a big trip, sometimes they travel to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, which fits with the family love for riding and her husband's roping. Last year, they traveled to Mexico. This year, they don't expect to get out for their family trip due to the Covid lockdowns. They also enjoy visiting family in Billings or North Dakota.