“Meeting the diverse academic and emotional needs of every student can be challenging,” shared Katie Scoggins of St. Paul’s Episcopal School. “I navigate this by building strong relationships, maintaining open communication with families, and collaborating with colleagues to support each child effectively.”
Mrs. Scoggins earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama. She continues to pursue opportunities for growth through professional development workshops, continuing education, and collaborative learning. Her passion for pouring into and working with young children led her to teach first grade.
“I was drawn to first grade because it is such a foundational year—students are developing confidence as readers, writers, and learners, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch their growth unfold throughout the year,” she shared.
Inspired by her own teachers growing up, Mrs. Scoggins works to create a learning environment where her students feel safe, joyful, and that their work is meaningful. She describes her teaching style as structured yet nurturing, believing that clear expectations, consistency, and routines—balanced with warmth, creativity, and flexibility—allow every student to succeed.
“I connect lessons to real-life experiences and incorporate hands-on activities, discussions, and opportunities for students to share their ideas,” explained Mrs. Scoggins. “When students see how learning applies to their world, they become more invested and confident.”
Overcoming challenges and seeing her students grow in confidence both academically and emotionally throughout the year brings her the most joy. When her students close out their first grade year, her main objective is for them to know they are loved, supported, and have permission to always believe in themselves.
Balancing professional and personal life can always be challenging, but Mrs. Scoggins has worked diligently over the years to stay organized and set boundaries. Her secret to success is prioritizing time with family and friends while also making time for self-care. Having a strong support system also makes a difference for her.
“My biggest piece of advice for new teachers is to give yourself grace. You won’t have every answer right away, and that’s okay,” she said. “Focus on building strong relationships with your students first—everything else will follow. Ask questions, lean on your colleagues, and remember that growth comes with time and experience.”
Katie Scoggins, a Mobile native, and her husband, Jamie, love living on the Gulf Coast. They are raising two daughters—Mary Lillian (11) and Amelia (3). In her spare time, Katie enjoys boating, traveling, and spending time with her family.
