Educator Spotlight: Katie Hess
A dedicated counselor reflects on the power of connection and career exploration.
Author: Aislinn Klosterman
Community Involvement
Published:
Thursday, 05 Jun 2025
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Image caption: Katie Hess and Students at JA BizTown supported by Meta (Newark Location)
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 just 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!"
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