'I'm teaching what I love.' Tuslaw's Kathryn Rowbotham named Stark teacher of the year
TUSCARAWAS TWP. ‒ Armed with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, Kathryn Rowbotham was ready to take on the world of science.
But she learned she wasn't the kind of person who wanted to be stuck in a lab.
"That's just not my personality," the 1994 Perry High School graduate said. "I'm more of a go-getter."
Wanting to use her training a little more, the mother of two decided to return to school in her 30s to get her teaching certification. She began her teaching career at Tuslaw High School 17 years ago.
"My love is science," she said. "I'm teaching what I love."
More: 'She does a simply magnificent job in a very difficult field.' Educator of the Year named
Her dedication to science, her students in and out of the classroom and the Tuslaw community paid off. Rowbotham was named the 2024 Greater Stark County Teacher of the Year at the recent Stark County Educational Service Center education awards dinner.
"I never thought I was going to win," she said. "I was absolutely stunned but it's a true honor to represent the school in that way. Tuslaw has never had a Teacher of the Year (winner)."
Tuslaw teacher of the year brings a winning attitude
Rowbotham, who teaches biology, AP biology, physiology and anatomy, knows science isn't everyone's cup of tea. She tells her students they don't have to love biology but what they learn in her class will help them no matter what career path they choose.
From taking care of your plants in the garden to the medical field, there are bits of knowledge that can translate to just about anything, she said.
"It's a great basic science to have," Rowbotham said. "Biology covers a big scope of things from cellular biology to microbiology and botany."
Rowbotham, who is also the girls' varsity basketball coach, led her team to the league championship. She is the student council adviser, Aultman Ambassador adviser and a mentor teacher. She works closely with the Tuslaw Community Group and has been involved in fundraisers, student activities and recognition events.
"I consider myself a strong lady," she said. "In (the classroom), in the gym or yelling for my students from the stand. I just want the kids to be successful."
Rowbotham would tell this year's new teachers to keep reaching kids.
"If your heart is in it and you love what you teach, you got to grab some of those minds," she said. "If you have 30 kids and reach one, that is all we can do. Keep pushing them to their potential."
She credits her success to having supportive administrators, including Superintendent Melissa Marconi, Principal Adam McKenzie and her teaching partners Neil Perrot and Emily O'Neil and her past and current students.
"I love what I am doing and I am blessed to teach a subject that I love," Rowbotham said.
Stark Lifetime Achievement Award winners honored
John and Cheryl Haschak were honored as the education district's Lifetime Achievement Award Winners.
The couple spent nearly their entire careers serving students and staff in the greater Stark County area.
Cheryl Haschak began her education career as a high school English teacher in Indiana and later served as dean of women at Wawasee Prep School in Indiana. She later moved to Erie and served as a drug education specialist. She joined Stow City Schools as a career education specialist while earning her guidance counselor and administrative license.
She later joined Jackson Local Schools as a high school guidance counselor, then assistant high school principal and assistant superintendent before she was pegged to lead the district. During her tenure, she helped put Jackson as one of the top districts in Ohio.
After earning a bachelor's degree in biology at Bowling Green, John Haschak joined the Army reaching the rank of captain.
After his service, he joined Parma City Schools as a biology teacher. After finishing a master's degree in educational administration and counseling, he went to Marysville as a guidance counselor and basketball coach.
He became assistant principal for grades 9 and 10 at Stow-Munore Falls City Schools and the principal at the middle school.
John Haschak was later named superintendent of Rittman Schools for eight years. During that time he completed his doctorate in education administration at Kent State University.
He then served as superintendent of Green City Schools for more than a decade before moving on to higher education, becoming the director of graduate students at Ashland University's Massillon branch. He taught education administrative classes and became the default resource among Stark County administrators.
"The impact they had on the educational landscape of greater Stark County can't possibly be quantified, but safe to say, it has been incredibly substantial and lasting," ESC Superintendent Joe Chaddock said.
2024 All County Teaching Team
Stephanie McKnight, Alliance City
Vicki McCamon, Brown Local
Bell Hoskins, Canton City
Jacki Cain, Canton Local
Angie Miller, Carrollton Exempted Village
Eric Johnson, Fairless Local
Brooke Schon, Green Local
Mike Slayman, Jackson Local
Ed Laubacher, Lake Local
Katy Todd, Louisville City
Erica Ohler, Marlington Local
Dustin Wilson, Massillon City
Fred Bigham, Minerva Local
Kerrie Steepleton, North Canton City
Angie Ellis, Northwest Local
Stacy Duskey, Osnaburg Local
Lori Burse, Parochial East
Lisa Paul, Parochial West
Lea Daut, Perry Local
Beth Winkler, Plain Local
Jordan Viebranz, R.G. Drage
Laura Clear, Sandy Valley Local
Lindsey Gaut, Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Sean Murphy, Stark County Educational Service Center
Brett Hershberger, Strasburg-Franklin Local
Kathryn Rowbotham, Tuslaw Local
2024 District Rookies of the Year
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Tuslaw's Kathryn Rowbotham honored as Stark County Teacher of the Year
