Kathy Quick
Strong Connections and a Commitment to Students’ Success
Fourth grade teacher Kathy Quick laughingly says that her first job at Breck almost didn’t happen. “I was interviewing with (former Lower School Director) Mike Wilson on the River Road campus,” she recalls, “but I parked in (former Chaplain) Andy McCarthy’s spot. He came storming in to complain that someone was in his space. I thought to myself, ‘Uh-oh. I’m in trouble from the beginning.’”
Fortunately for Kathy – and for Breck – that initial interview turned into a long-term substitute teaching assignment, then a series of permanent jobs with Breck (with some time off here and there for some other pursuits).
“She’s so modest in her achievements, in both her personal and professional lives,” says Lower School Dean Gloria Smith. “But she’s such a creative teacher and totally committed to her students’ success.”
Kathy, who has also taught third grade and been Breck’s Lower School language resource and learning consultant, began teaching fourth grade in 2001 (including “three delightful years” when she shared the classroom with Steve Ward). “Fourth is my favorite grade,” she says. “I just love their energy, sense of humor and curiosity. Children take such a big developmental leap at this age, which means the possibilities for thinking on a deeper level really open up. And they’re so kind!”
She is a graduate of Augsburg College and Hamline University who has published journal articles and given presentations on topics including gifted and talented education, reading strategies and, most recently, literacy for boys. “My students and my colleagues truly inspire me,” Kathy says. “I love the whole fourth-grade team!” And she remembers especially fondly former Lower School Director, the late Kathleen Harshbarger. “She was a real unsung hero – an amazing teacher who was strict on the outside but had such a way with kids and a total devotion to high standards and quality work.”
The oldest of five children (“I think the teacher part of me started there,” she laughs), Kathy was born in Lansing, Michigan. Her father’s job at the Bendix Corporation caused the family to move often, and Kathy attended four different high schools before graduating from Edina High.
She says she envies the experience of her son Ben Peterson ’04, who remains quite close to his Breck classmates. “I didn’t have that kind of connection,” Kathy says, “so it’s especially wonderful to see. Ben just got home for spring break. We weren’t even back from the airport before his phone started ringing with Breck friends.”
Today, however, Kathy has strong connections with her own Breck friends. “She’s always there to support her friends when we need her,” says Gloria Smith. “She’ll take such care in picking up a card or gift.” Adds preschool teacher Joyce McCann, “Kathy is so thoughtful. She’s the kind of friend who does special behind-the-scenes things, like surprising you with something special for no reason at all. And she never misses a birthday!”
Kathy and her husband Art, who works for the Union Pacific Railroad, are enjoying their empty nest. They’re “devoted dog people” who have been adopting rescue dogs from the Humane Society. She enjoys running, cross-country skiing, antiquing and attending dance and music concerts –a chance to keep up her lifelong passion for ballet.
She’s also involved with her work at Plymouth Congregational Church, where she is a member of the literary witnesses committee that brings in authors and poets to speak. An upcoming appearance by poet Mary Oliver is the “dream of a lifetime.” With characteristic modesty, Kathy says, “I love poetry but I just can’t write it. I’m so lucky that I can read it and teach it instead.”
