Cathy Walters demonstrates excellence in education through the way she not only teachers but lives her life.
In April 2008, she was selected as the Target Iditarod Teacher on the Trail and began to prepare and deliver content driven lessons that integrated the Iditarod into her teaching in preparation for teaching from the Iditarod Trail during the 2009 race. Cathy's clever songs and the movement activities and dances are highlights of Cathy's teaching.That fall, she was diagnosed with cancer. The 'easy' thing for Cathy would have been to put all her focus into her cancer surgery and treatment and step aside from her responsibilities with the race. However, her goals of providing quality lessons for teachers and home school families around the world --- brain based, movement and musical activities-- to enhance teaching and learning were not put aside but instead a focus on her recovery. Cathy faced her cancer surgery and 6 weeks of radiation and chemo. Cathy focused on recovery, patiently rested to gain strength only able to sing and dance in her heart -- too weak to physically dance to the learning tunes. With her blood levels too low to make the journey in early Feb. 2009, Cathy continued her focus to heal and move forward.
Days before her flight, her health status improved. Cathy flew to Alaska and upheld all of her responsibilities. Cathy maintained a journal of her journey during the race and inspired students, teachers, and folks in communities in Alaska and around the globe, to face challenges and work hard. Cathy's tunes can be listened to at this link. http://idit atunes.blogspot.com/ Cathy is inspirational and lives by example the qualities essential to be a best educator and best person.
