Educator spotlight: katie hess
A dedicated counselor reflects on the power of connection and career exploration.
As a school counselor at Maysville Elementary in Zanesville, Ohio, Katie Hess works every day to help students discover their voice and build confidence. Her passion for education comes from a deep love for children and a belief that every student deserves someone in their corner.
This year, she brought her fifth graders to JA BizTown in Newark for the first time and saw how impactful hands-on learning can be. Her students explored new roles, connected classroom lessons to real-world situations, and left with a clearer picture of their future.
We caught up with Katie to hear more about her career journey, what inspires her, and how JA BizTown made a difference for her students.
Interview:
Question: Can you share a bit about yourself?
Answer: “My name is Katie Hess and I am an elementary school counselor at Maysville Elementary in Zanesville, Ohio. I have been a school counselor since 2018, working with students and families at the elementary, middle, and high school levels throughout my career. I am an avid reader and lifelong learner who loves spending time with my family.”
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: “I was inspired to be an educator because of my love for children. At the beginning of my career, I was guided by the idea that I want to be an advocate and voice for those who might not have one. Over the years, I have learned that students have a voice, they just might need someone to guide them and help them feel confident to share. I feel honored to be a trusted adult in my students’ lives and someone they can turn to for support.”
Q: What was your first experience with Junior Achievement?
A: “My first experience with Junior Achievement just fell into my lap at work. I received an email about the JA Newark location and jumped on the opportunity for my fifth grade students. I had heard about JA BizTown while working in New Albany, therefore, when I learned the experience could be something for our students I wanted to do anything I could to make that a reality. As a community, we all experienced BizTown for the first time this past 2024/2025 school year and it was AWESOME!”
Q: How do you see JA impacting your students’ futures, academically or personally?
A: “JA BizTown will impact my students’ futures on both fronts, academically and personally. During the classroom prep before travelling to BizTown, my students were learning lifelong skills – how to write and deposit checks, how the economy works, and how their skills and interests align with their future careers. The students also got a taste of what it is like applying for a job and how to promote themselves. Many of them were exposed to careers they had never heard about and for some they worked a job at BizTown that they later said they would like to have. When a student sees their future, it makes learning that much more impactful and enjoyable. JA BizTown adds to that impact!”
