Get to Know CCHS Staffulty Member - Katie Shanahan

- What subjects and grade levels do you teach?
I teach freshman, sophomore, and senior English.


- What is your educational background?
I went to Elston High School in Michigan City, Ind. I earned my BS in English teaching while attending Indiana State University in Terre Haute.


- What inspired you to become a teacher?
Aside from those few months I entertained being a truck driver, I never wanted to do anything else besides teach. My sister and I used to fight over who got to be the “teacher” when we played school. At first it was kindergarten or early elementary, but I encountered some amazing people in high school and college that changed my mind. Don Drake, Fran Booth, and Dr. Steven Connelly taught me to embrace and love learning. They taught me that learning included laughter and joy and not just tests, notes, and papers. They cared when I needed it.


- What made you want to teach at Central Catholic?
I taught college freshmen from 1993-95. I subbed for a year, taught at St. Adalbert for four years, Ladyfield for five years, and Cardinal Stritch for 18 years. I decided I was getting too comfortable in my old school and it was time for a change. Lucky for me, CCHS had an opening!!!

My husband, Matt Shanahan, is a 1990 Central Catholic graduate. Although he didn't directly influence my move here, I certainly knew about the school, the spirit, and the sense of belonging because of him. He enjoyed his time at CCHS, and he was a 1990 Bishop's Cross recipient.


- What are your hobbies or special interests?
I love to read, run, and garden. I love baseball and am a huge Minnesota Twins fan.