Genia Deets

When I was little, I loved playing school — and being the teacher, of course! I would arrange my stuffed animals and plan exciting lessons on everything from being nice to counting. I’m thrilled to be living this dream in an actual classroom today. But I will say, my stuffed animals had much less energy than my students!

My current role is a gifted teacher for kindergarten through fifth grade students. I also work with kids on their Individualized Education Plans and run enrichment groups at two elementary schools in Olathe, Kansas.

I love challenging my students and finding out what makes them tick. Discovering each child’s highest potential and then helping them move past that point is so exciting and rewarding. In my classes, we research and create project-based learning activities to help students really dig into a variety of subjects.

Throughout my own education, classes focusing on reading, writing, math and science all prepared me to become a teacher. One thing I wish I’d learned more about, though, was public speaking. Talking in front of people is truly an art that needs to be practiced to be perfected.

If you love kids and enjoy making a difference, teaching could be a great fit for you. While it can be demanding, being an educator allows you to make a difference. And what could be better? 

Genia Deets is an elementary school teacher in Olathe, Kansas. She is the 2023-2024 Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship HirePaths Teacher Ambassador.