Teacher Profile: Katharine Dougherty, NHS

By Andrew Rote

A new addition to the Newtown High School English staff this year is Katharine Dougherty. Now that Lorrie Arsenian is taking on her new role as assistant principal, Ms Dougherty has inherited her former classes.

Ms Dougherty began her teaching career right out of college. Before that time, she received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Ohio State University, and her JD from Catholic University.

After her early teaching career, Ms Dougherty decided to enter the world of law. Five years ago, her teaching career was resurrected. She now enters the high school after four years of teaching in other districts.

“My return signifies my recommitment to its importance,” Ms Dougherty said about her career in education.

The new English teacher feels she brings a broad global perspective into Newtown.

“I have traveled… and lived a long life,” she said.

She also brings in a wide variety of interests and understanding of teens. She said she remembers and respects people in their teens, which could help her as a teacher.

Ms Dougherty sees Newtown as a microcosm of the real world. She experiences humor, excitement, passion, and humanity in the building, and notices the students’ awareness and commitment to their own education.

Ms Dougherty will be able to use her past teaching experiences in Newtown. “You always do,” she said.

As Ms Arsenian’s replacement, she teaches English at the basic, college prep, and honors levels to freshmen and sophomores, and honors writing through film for seniors.

Her favorite thing to teach is language, which she explained as the evolution and ability to achieve precise communication.

“It is the core of how we understand our reading and create our masterpieces,” Ms Dougherty said.

She added that on a more personal note, she enjoys teaching Shakespeare more than anything.

Ms Dougherty sees Newtown as the right place for her right now.

“It is an excellent place for me to grow and my contributions will be very clear,” she said.

Ms Dougherty has no intentions of moving as of now. She looks forward to staying in the district to help Newtown through upcoming challenges as the school takes its next steps forward.

(Andrew Rote, a Newtown High School junior, is the sports editor of the school newspaper, The Hawkeye.)