About Me

My name is Katharine Kostelnik (K’-STELL-nick), but you’re also welcome to call me Ms. K. This is my third year at Hill Country Middle School, where I teach 8th grade ELA and serve as the sponsor of our school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter. I’m grateful to be part of such an inspiring community of students, families, and colleagues.

I earned my Associate of Arts in Teaching from Austin Community College and my Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas State University (Eat ’em up, Cats!). While I once thought I’d teach elementary school, I quickly fell in love with middle schoolers’ energy, humor, and curiosity; I’ve been hooked ever since.

Growing up in a military family meant I attended 12 different schools before graduating high school. Moving so often taught me how to adapt quickly and connect with all kinds of people: an experience that helps me relate to students who are navigating big changes of their own.

Outside the classroom, I love journaling, traveling, hiking, and trying new foods. I’ve also been a lifelong animal lover — my home is currently shared with two dogs, one cat, and more lint rollers than I care to admit.

I’m looking forward to another year of helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers — and learning from them along the way.