“Today, when I made mac and cheese I left the lid of my cheese on the hot burner and it melted and they were all laughing at me, but I was like, guys accidents happen,” NPHS FCS teacher Ms. Katie Boland jokingly said.

Boland spent the last three years at Souderton High School substitute teaching FCS classes and this year she joined North Penn as a full-time FCS teacher. She attended West Chester University majoring in history and finished her student teaching at Cabrini University. Boland was originally planning to teach history after graduation, however, she had difficulties finding a job as a full-time teacher.   

“I couldn’t get a job to be a history teacher, so I was doing long term [substitute teaching]… I knew I wanted to be a teacher since 8th grade…I got to the point where I’m like as long as I’m a teacher I am okay with that,” said Boland.  

This is her first full semester at North Penn as she brings her knowledge of cooking to the classroom. The courses she is teaching include a general foods class that is a minor course where students learn the basics of cooking and kitchen safety, food science a class that involves more complex types of dishes, and independent living where students learn about resumes, paychecks, and the basics when applying for jobs.

“This job came up during summertime and I applied for it. I didn’t know what I was going to be teaching but thinking back I am so glad I am teaching this because I am teaching students basic life skills…things they could take with them after they graduate,” explained Boland. 

Overall, the classes do not involve many tests and quizzes and are more geared towards working as a group. Also, a bonus to taking FCS classes includes no homework, all the classwork is done during class time!

“I sit back and I reflect that I get to do what I love, I get to be with students I care for, and yes with Covid and meetings and emails that we get every day and the stress that teachers have; that connection I make with students, it outweighs everything else… I enjoy coming to work every day,” added Boland. 

The transition from Souderton High School to North Penn has not always been all smooth sailing, as Boland considered some challenges she had to face with the new grading system, Canvas, and her adjustment from a block schedule to periods. 

“I went from Schoology last year to Canvas, so I had to learn all the technology and how to post my courses. I went from block scheduling to periods. Periods are so short to me I feel like as soon as I say “Hi, I am Ms. Boland… [to] okay, see you guys,” Boland explained sarcastically. 

North Penn offers more opportunities than Souderton because of the wide variety of FCS courses and more student enrollment. At Souderton, there were four FCS teachers teaching four classes but here FCS teachers have around six courses. 

While the change in schools was not always an easy one, Boland has found great solace in her colleagues here at North Penn. 

“All the teachers in my department I love. They help me with everything that I need like planning, printing stuff out,[and] giving me ideas,” Boland explained. 

Already having a vast background knowledge in cooking she currently works at the Energy Station at Harleysville as a chef on the weekends, but when Boland is not busy cooking she loves watching the Sixers and enjoys spending time with her two dogs. 

“I’m a die-hard Sixers fan!,” Boland said. 

Moving Forward at North Penn, she hopes to become more involved with activities and students. With the upcoming Mini Thon, she is looking to make connections as a chaperon.  

“I want people to take more FCS courses whether it’s my courses or sewing courses or child development because I think they are courses everyone should take,” Boland added.