“The most challenging part of education is that feeling when you can’t help a student with a certain issue. Whether it’s social, emotional, or academic — watching them struggle is hard,” shared Katie Copeland. “I always remind my kids that the struggle will make you stronger — but that doesn’t mean it won’t stink.”
Mrs. Copeland, a first-grade teacher at Mobile Christian School, discovered her true calling in the classroom after earning her BA in English Literature from Faulkner University. After serving as a teacher’s assistant, she returned to the University of Southern Mississippi to complete her BS in Elementary Education. Now in her ninth year of teaching, she is pursuing additional training in dyslexia therapy to better serve her students.
“Teaching first grade has definitely challenged me in the best ways, and teaching a child to read is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” she said.
Mrs. Copeland describes her teaching style as “organized chaos.” She is an advocate for allowing students to learn in the way that best suits them.
“I sing. Like, a lot! It’s probably very weird when they walk in that first week of August, but by October, they’re singing right along with me,” she laughed. “We also do a lot of organized brain breaks to keep learning fun and minds engaged. When learning doesn’t feel like work, they will learn anything you want to teach them.”
Relationship-building is at the heart of her classroom. Early in her career, she realized that each child carries an invisible “backpack” filled with their own experiences, struggles, and stories.
“It’s not my job to unpack it for them, but it is my job to help them carry it while they’re in my classroom. I can be the support they need to make it through a tough day,” she explained.
At the beginning of each school year, Mrs. Copeland takes time to learn what interests each student.
“Every conversation with a child is a chance to build a bridge into their world, and I build bridges every chance I get,” she said. “This helps them feel safe and loved as soon as they enter my room. A child won’t learn from someone they don’t like.”
By the end of the year, her hope is that every student knows how much they matter. She wants them to understand they were created by God and that their worth doesn’t come from achievements, appearance, or even their choices — good or bad — but from their immeasurable value as a child of God.
Katie and her husband, Taylor, have three boys — Elijah (7), Gabe (6), and Shepherd (4 months). They were blessed to adopt their older two sons in 2021 and were overjoyed to welcome their “caboose” last year. As a family, they love spending time outdoors and at the beach. Taylor serves as youth minister at Azalea City Church, where they are actively involved. In her rare quiet moments, Katie enjoys reading and thrifting.
