For 19 years, Katie Hamilton has been shaping young minds at Lakewood Elementary. With 17 of those years dedicated to Kindergarten, Katie brings patience, care, and a hands-on approach to the classroom — creating a space where students feel confident, supported, and excited to learn.

How long have you been in education? What grade levels have you taught? This is my 19th year at Lakewood Elementary and my 17th year teaching Kindergarten. Before teaching Kindergarten, I worked in Special Education for two years.

What is your teaching style? My teaching style is nurturing, engaging, and hands-on. I focus on creating a classroom environment rooted in positive reinforcement, where students feel supported and confident. I combine explicit instruction with hands-on activities to keep students actively involved in their learning and help them build strong foundational skills.

What is your favorite part about teaching? My favorite part of teaching is watching children blossom and grow. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the pure joy on their faces when something finally clicks or when they learn something new. Those moments remind me why I love teaching and why this work matters every single day.

Do you have a role model or teaching mantra? "Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way." — George Evans. Each child grows at their own pace, and it’s my job to meet them where they are and help them succeed.

What do you enjoy outside the classroom? We have a 16-month-old daughter, Alex, who keeps us busy! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, reading, shopping, and traveling. We also enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors whenever we can.

Where might we run into you in the community? We love visiting local spots like Cane Rosso, Goodwin’s, Lakewood Landing, and Village Baking Co. The Dallas Arboretum is one of our favorite places to relax and enjoy the outdoors as a family.

Katie Hamilton’s dedication to early education — combined with her nurturing approach and hands-on teaching style — continues to make Lakewood Elementary Kindergarten a place where children feel confident, inspired, and ready to grow.