Jeana Kotzman's Biography
By Cameron, Diane
As a child walking the halls of Northeast Elementary School, I had never thought of someday returning. Graduation rolled around the I knew I was gone for good; there was a "wonderful" place beyond southeast Kansas waiting for me. I really had no intention of returning! Isn't it funny how your idea of a wonderful place changes as you get older?
I attended Northeast schools from the first day of Mrs. Wilson's Kindergarten class to Mrs. McKee's final hug on graduation day. My time spent roaming the halls of Northeast were filled with the ups and downs of any childhood but, I wouldn't trade them for the world.
From Northeast High School, I continued my education at Fort Scott Community College where I pitched for the women's softball team and earned my Associate of Science degree. From there I traveled all the way to Pittsburg State University and earned my Bachelor of Science in Education in the Spring of 2003.
My teaching career started as a substitute teacher in area schools. In the summer of 2004, I accepted a position teaching fourth grade in Marion Elementary School in Marion, Kansas. It was a great school and I learned more in that one year than in my entire college career but, it was just too far from home and those I love.
This year started with me working as a para for the third grade. Resources in the district were good and as luck would have it, Mr. Rivers and the Board of Education decided to expand our grade school and hire another teacher. I was the person they asked to join the super team of teachers at Northeast Elementary.
Adding to my long list of blessings for the year 2005, the love of my life married me in August and we now have two boys. I have found a wonderful place "in" southeast Kansas and I hope I will be given the opportunity to live, work, and raise my family here close to the family, friends, and the school I love.
