By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HAVEN, Kan. — Sixth-grade teacher Brandae Tate has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for October.
Tate, who joined Haven Grade School this fall after three years teaching in Hutchinson USD 308, said the award means even more as she settles into her first year with the district.
“It’s exciting for me because it’s my first year in Haven,” Tate said. “To be recognized and already have something fun to bring back to my class has been great.”
Her classroom of 18 sixth graders, she said, has made the transition easy.
“It’s been a big shift coming from Hutchinson to Haven,” Tate said. “My class is great, they get along really well, treat each other respectfully, and it’s just been really fun getting to know them.”
While Tate now loves teaching, it wasn’t part of her original plan. She first attended college for biochemistry, later went to cosmetology school, and then stayed home to raise her children. That’s when her perspective changed.
“If you had told me when I was in college that I was going to be a teacher, I would have laughed,” she said. “But after I had my own kids, I realized how much I enjoy kids and learning. I started substitute teaching for several years and decided to go back to college in my 30s. Now I’m in my fourth year of teaching.”
Tate previously taught fifth grade in Hutchinson before stepping into her current role in Haven, where she’s found new challenges and joy in the sixth-grade curriculum.
“It’s definitely more rigorous,” she said. “There’s more focus on problem-solving and ratios. It’s been fun to adjust and try out something new.”
For Tate, the heart of teaching goes beyond lesson plans and test scores.
“Seeing growth, not just in academics, but as people, is the most rewarding part,” she said. “My biggest goal isn’t just to teach children, but to make society better. That means helping kids become good humans, too.”
Her nominator praised that very spirit, writing: “Brandae truly cares about her students and wants the best for them in school and at home. You can tell she wants each of her students to have a bright future. She goes out of her way to make each student feel comfortable in her classroom. She truly enjoys teaching and making a difference in her community every day.”
Now in her fourth year of teaching, Tate said she enjoys working with older students because of the connection and humor they bring to the classroom.
“I can be a little more sarcastic and play around with them,” she said. “They get my jokes, and that makes teaching so much fun.”
Tate said she’s grateful for the supportive atmosphere in Haven and the chance to continue growing as an educator.
“It’s been such a welcoming community,” she said. “I’m thankful to be part of a district that values its teachers and cares about its kids.”
Students in Tate's class were treated to a pizza lunch from Pizza Hut and an ice cream sundae bar from Braum's.