Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Regan Gatson, Middle School Spanish Teacher
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: 3 years
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am a Lansing alumni that went K-12 in the school district. My love for languages began in my Middle School Spanish class and that love led me to take Spanish and French in high school, get a degree in both languages in college, and brought me back to the district as an ESL para and eventually as a Spanish teacher at the same place it all started for me.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: There are many things I enjoy about my job, but one my favorite things in class is when the students start asking more questions about Spanish or when their face lights up when they finally understand the material. It’s also cool to hear them speak Spanish outside of the classroom, or when they come to tell me a new word they’ve learned.
I also like having the opportunity to greet students in the morning and wish them a good day. I think those interactions not only increase rapport, but give the students a routine comfort that can give them a good feeling to carry them throughout the day.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: From childhood into adulthood, I have collected a lot of the Just Dance video games on the Wii and Wii U. I’ve played so much that I’ve memorized a lot of the dance routines, so when the songs come on at home or in public I’ll break into dance with my younger brother.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: Sometimes in class when there’s time, I tell my students that I’ve hidden a tiny plastic red pepper in the classroom. I allow the students time to search for it, and the person who finds it gets a piece of candy and gets to hide it for a different class to find. The students have really enjoyed this activity. It’s something that they look forward to when they come to class. In fact, one of my students gave me the idea in the first place. So it’s just so fun to watch them get involved.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I have always been a tv person. I can binge-watch a show in a short amount of time. Those shows are usually ones that need subtitles. So I watch shows in different languages and read the subtitles in Spanish. I also enjoy crocheting when I have free time. I’ve made hats and headbands so far, and eventually I’d like to make stuffed toys.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether that’s with classes or clubs. You never know what might pique your interest. It could end up being your career, or just something that you’ll enjoy for years to come.