This year all tri-town schools except for Sippican School got new teachers. Meet a few of the members of the new class below.

Karen Horan

Old Rochester Regional Junior High’s new physical education teacher has 19 years of experience.

Why do you teach PE? You just feel better about yourself when you’re physically active and you get to socialize with lots of people. I like trying to get other people into fitness as well.

What’s your superpower? I’m very good at gymnastics. I have handstand contests every year with my kids and I always win.

Becky Okolita

This Marion native spent several years in California and is back to teach the high school’s new special education program for students 18 to 22 years old.

Why are you excited about this new job? It’s a dream job of mine. My motivation and eagerness will translate well to this job.

Claim to fame? I was one of the Lady Bulldog basketball champs in 1998.

Mackenzie Martin

A Mattapoisett native who now lives in Rochester, Martin will teach third grade at Center School this year.

Why are you excited to be back at Center School? It’s a wonderful community. To come full circle is awesome. I’m excited to teach where I went to school.

Fun fact: Rose [Bowman] was my principal. Mr. Tavares (associate principal) was my fifth grade teacher.

Kate Butler

The high school’s new part-time art teacher said she taught before moving to Mattapoisett and has substituted for tri-town art teachers in recent years.

What are you looking forward to this year? I’m really excited to be back in a high school environment and am looking to make students more mindful of art.

What type of art do you most enjoy? Printmaking and clay

Tell us a fun fact: I walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge (in Australia) to overcome my fear of heights.

Nikita Higgins

A New Bedford native, Higgins taught in her home city for five years as a fourth grade teacher before moving to Rochester Memorial School this year where she will teach fourth grade special education.

What qualities do you hope to contribute to the school? Enthusiasm and working with diverse learners, since I’m coming from New Bedford.

What’s your superpower? I shoot a three-pointer like Steph Curry.

Casey Rogers

Casey Rogers, a Mattapoisett native who now lives in Rochester is moving from Old Hammondtown School to Rochester Memorial School where she will teach fifth grade special education.

Why do you enjoy teaching in the tri-town? Growing up in the tri-town, I felt a really strong tie to the community. It’s nice to get to work with the children from your community.

What is your superpower? I am exceptionally good at random trivia.

Katelyn Twardzik

Twardzik, a Dartmouth native, taught in New Bedford last year, but is joining the Center School team this year where she will teach kindergarten.

What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to being able to enforce the social and emotional aspect of education.

What's your special power? I like to integrate yoga and mindfulness into the classroom.

Lauren O’Brien

A Rochester native and Old Rochester graduate, O'Brien began taught at Bishop Stang High School the past two years and will now teach seventh grade science at Old Rochester Regional Junior High.

What are you excited about this school year? I'm excited to be back since I am an alum. I graduated in 2010. I’m excited to give back to the community as some of my teachers did for me.

Fun fact: I own a bulldog named Madaket. You may see her at [football] games.

Save

Save