Katherine Rachel Rigsby is the PK-4 grade band representative for RCS Teacher of the Year 2022-2023. She has 15 years with RCS and is currently a fourth-grade teacher at Plainview Elementary. Previously, she worked at Barfield. In this Q&A Rigsby answers questions related to her career and how she began teaching
Q: Tell me about your history in education.
A: (Rigsby) I taught at Barfield elementary before coming to Plainview. When they built Plainview, I thought I could stretch my wings and try something different. I loved and learned so much from Ms. Goodwin at Barfield. I came over and fell in love with this place. I’m two years in here at Plainview. Opening a new building was exciting and I knew Dr. Gonyea would be here, and he has a good reputation. Getting the chance to learn from someone new was such a great opportunity.
Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?
A: (Rigsby) When I was little, I really struggled to read. I had the best third grade teacher, Jane Groom. She just lifted my confidence and believed in who I was. She changed the trajectory of how I felt about school and my love for reading. I think from then on, I decided I wanted to be able to help others the way she had helped me. Even in High School – I wanted to be in the teaching profession.
Q: Why elementary school?
A: (Rigsby) I think I gravitate towards younger children. It was where my challenges were, and I had such a good example in those early years of what good teachers were.
Q: What do you hope will be your impact after you’ve stopped teaching?
A: (Rigsby) I want my students and the people I work with to remember me as a relationship-builder. That’s so important – when students look back, I want them to remember me as someone who cared about them as people, someone who invested in them not just as a student but as a human being. I want them to know I saw them for their potential and what they could be.
Q: What do you love about Plainview Elementary?
A: (Rigsby) I love how everyone is willing to jump in. We’re sharers here: plans, burdens… we’re a family. We’re led by two very gracious people who are ready to listen to how we feel. And the students are incredible. Plainview is a very special place. We’re about relationship building.
Q: What keeps you coming back day after day?
A: (Rigsby) I looped with my bunch of kids. So, I’ve had them since last year. When I get up in the morning, I look forward to being there for them, watching them change and grow. I wouldn’t miss that. I can’t say enough about the family we’ve created in this classroom. Even on breaks. I’m thinking about what they’re doing and if they’re excited to come back. Being a part of what we’ve created here at Plainview is exciting. We’re only going to grow exponentially from here.
Q: What advice do you have to those who are starting a career in education?
A: (Rigsby) There’s so many things to learn, and there are many hats to wear. But at the end of the day loving what you do and loving who you are in front of is a gift. Give yourself grace in the moments where you are falling short. See the potential in your students and in yourself. The impact is such a reward. What you walk away from in the afternoon is priceless.
Q: What else should we know about you?
A: (Rigsby) I love to write. I love to put my thoughts on paper. A secret dream of mine was to be a writer. I still kick around the idea of writing a children’s book. I love to write and draw. I’m artsy.