My name is Katherine (Kate) Highsmith and I live in Cabarrus County.  I am a passionate STEM teacher who brings curiosity and creativity into everything I do. Working at two elementary schools, I strive to inspire young learners not only through science and technology, but through hands-on exploration and imagination. I love creating art in all kinds of media, and journaling and reading help me reflect and grow.

Outside the classroom, I feel most at home in nature—hiking and traveling across North Carolina, throughout the United States, and around the world. I’ve visited over 15 national parks, and each one has deepened my appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Sharing that sense of wonder with young children and my own family is one of my greatest joys. Through STEM and outdoor exploration, I hope to nurture curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in every student I teach.