Choosing a career isn’t always on the radar of middle school students. But the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is trying to kick-start them into thinking about the possibilities with its Tour of Opportunity program.

“It’s a way to plant the seed and start the conversation about what they might want to do in the future,” says Katie Sensabaugh, director of Success School, which operates the program giving students real-world experiences at local workplaces.

​“We have done virtual tours for the last two years, but this is the first time we are doing in-person tours,” Sensabaugh says. Groups of about 50 seventh- and eighth-graders visit two or three businesses in one day to talk with professionals and learn about careers.

​Why did you choose the field of Education for a career?
I have always loved learning and working with people. By the age of 16, I felt reasonably confident that education was my destiny. Many of my mentors motivated me to pursue a career in teaching. As I continued working on my degree in education and exploring my interests in music and sports, I found myself serving in leadership and teaching roles in all three areas. However, teaching was my passion. I loved learning and helping others grow and learn. My goal in becoming a teacher has always been to support and nurture a community of lifelong learners. Schools play such an important role in our society. I believe teachers are responsible for helping children develop the skills and values needed to succeed and be successful community members. When our schools and teachers are provided with needed resources, our children grow. When our children succeed, our communities and our country reap the benefits. 

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I have always thought of myself as a teacher from the time I was a little girl teaching to my stuffed animals on my bed, grading papers, and taking attendance.  I felt like I had a gift for explaining  the math to my classmates.   I was always very athletic and thought I could teach physical education.  Since the openings for physical education was scarce, my father encouraged me to major in math and minor in physical education, which is exactly what I did.  I was hired in 1984 to do just that:  Teach math and use my physical education minor to coach swimming at Batchelor Middle School.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
I have always tried to be fair with my students and embraced my own shortcomings and have encouraged my students to learn from their mistakes.  I always tell students that if there is a mistake they feel I have made whether it be in my grading or instruction to let me know.  I am not afraid to admit if I made a mistake and I love to hear when students correct anything  I may have said or done.  This shows me they are really paying attention and are taking ownership  with their learning. 
I feel as though I am friendly with my students.  I love to hear about their interests, hobbies, and activities.  Many students over the years have parents who have been former students of mine.  I enjoy it so much when a student says to me that I was their mom or dad’s math teacher.
Lastly, I feel that I make a connection with students by being  fashion - conscious. I love to compliment students on their attire and enjoy when a student compliments me on mine. 

​​What makes your school unique?

• University has always been a global school because of its population. There are thirty-five countries and thirty-two languages spoken by our families and students. University originally was a lab school and part of the Indiana University Campus.


• University is a PYP/IB (Primary Years Program. International Baccalaureate) school. We are part of a group of schools across the globe that make teaching through inquiry our priority. All subjects are taught through six major transdisciplinary themes. Units are fluidly written, and students use inquiry skills to learn about the world around them. We want to empower them to be globally-minded citizens that feel inspired and moved to take some type of action that will make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

 
How did you first get into education?
I started as a business major at IU and took an interest in inventory that helped me look into switching my major to education. I worked at the IU Bookstore to earn spending money. While there I met another girl, who was majoring in elementary education. After talking with her and helping her with her assignment, I decided I might have something to offer to future elementary school students.

When I was in school, I was one of those kids that loved school so much, I would rather go to school sick than have to stay home and miss out on something! As an education major, I decided t wanted to become a teacher that would provide those same kinds of experiences to my students! Growing up in Bloomington, I had so many wonderful teachers. They were the reason I wanted to go to school every single day. They made learning and being in school so fun and exciting.