Kaitlin is the teacher from Sandy Hook Elementary who saved her class of first graders by stacking them all into a single occupancy toilet stall. Since then, Kaitlin has gone on to become a Glamour Woman of the Year and a L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth in recognition of her amazing work, not only in helping her students overcome such an event, but in helping them move forward in kindness and love.
Kaitlin is a wonderful public speaker & educator, and has founded the charity Classes 4 Classes, a social network that connects teachers and students with other classes. It’s founded on the belief that when kids are taught empathy and tolerance, there is no room for hate. More so than the massacre, Kaitlin has created a huge wave of change in this charity
Kaitlin’s new book, Choosing Hope is out now.
Choosing Hope is many things. A written witness to a tragedy that will never be forgotten. A gripping firsthand testament to the power of good over the power of destruction. An inspirational memoir by a brave young woman whose story is one of courage, heroism, faith, and resilience. And a celebration of all the people who make the choice to pass along their hope and positivity to young ones-parents, mentors, and especially teachers. There is no moving on, but there is always moving forward. And how we move forward is a choice.
Growing up, what kind of career did you want to pursue?
I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. At the age of 5, I asked my Father (very seriously) if I could babysit the little hoy next door (he was 3). I persisted with similar requests over the next few years, to no avail. I held every job imaginable working with children: mother’s helper, babysitter, nanny, camp counsellor, day care facilitator, mentor, reading buddy, athlete tutor, study hall monitor, student teacher, intern….I knew I wanted to work with children and I knew that meant becoming a teacher.
Who inspires you?
A lot of people have inspired me-and helped to shape me into the person I am today. My Parents, my family, my friends, my own teachers, my students, my birth family. I didn’t get where I am today on my own-that’s for sure.
Who is most surprised by your achievements?
Those who never believed I could overcome darkness to find the light. I’ve learned that your biggest believer-must always be yourself. You are the only one who can make your dreams a reality.
How have women helped shape you to date?
I am so incredibly fortunate to have the most supportive, accomplished women in my life- both personally and professionally. In my office I have this framed ‘You can tell who the strong women are, they are the ones building each other up, instead of tearing one another down.’ I am blessed to be surrounded by builders.
What qualities do you most admire in a female colleague?
Vision, determination, honesty, hard work, perseverance, passion, humour. You can’t take yourself, or life, too seriously.
What’s the key to successfully balancing work and life?
I think what’s most important is doing what you love. When you do, it doesn’t feel like work and life truly opens up. When your passion is your purpose-I’m grateful to have always ‘worked my passion.’
If you had an afternoon to yourself, how would you spend it?
With a good book, my toes in the sand, the sun on my face and saltwater in the air.
Who do you regard as your mentor?
God.
What personal attributes have you used to overcome adversity in your life?
Perspective has been the most important. Perspective is amazingly powerful, outlook determines how you react, or not, to every situation in your life-you have the choice, you alone hold the power. Good and bad are both always present. You can choose to focus on your many blessings, on the abundant good that is all around, having this perspective-will make the hard times that much more approachable, it will make the impossible feel possible. Optimism is a choice. #ChooseHope
If you could make one change to women’s lives, what would it be and why?
I would change the notion that women are not equal to men, of course we are not equal-we bring life into this world. I can’t think of a single thing more important to the world.
What is the hardest part of your job?
There are only 24 hours in a day, and that will never change!
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to success in your field?
If you believe it, you can achieve it. Never let the voice, or opinions of others dictate what you know is best for you. Follow your heart, your dreams and your passion-they will lead you to your success.