Editor’s note: Thank you to Divine Consign for sponsoring this week’s Chambana mom to know. Divine Consign has a special pre-sale for teachers (like the one you will read about below) and nurses (must bring ID) on Wednesday, May 1! The public sale will take place May 2-4. Upgrade your summer wardrobe with the area’s largest consignment sale for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. 
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and today’s mom to know is a very special teacher (I have firsthand knowledge). Katelyn Shamhart is a true townie, born and raised in Champaign. She went to college at Eastern Illinois University, and graduated with a degree in education. She also met her husband there, and they decided to return to Champaign to live and work. She is now a first grade teacher at Bottenfield Elementary in Champaign, and the mom of 1-year-old Annabelle. She has been known to accept invitations and attend the birthday parties of her students.
See why we think Katelyn Shamhart is a Chambana mom to know.
Q: You seem to really love your job. What is your favorite thing about teaching?
I love being in first grade. I feel like a first grader every day. Who wouldn’t want to feel 7 every day! Stepping outside of the teacher role and being there for my kids at school and outside of school is another element I love. I can’t imagine doing anything else, I love my kids and teaching.
Q: Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. What makes you feel appreciated as a teacher?
Having parents trust me with their child is a wonderful feeling. I have their child for a better part of the day and having that trust is not only empowering but drives me to make sure I am always doing what I can. I also love the notes, gift, or unexpected emails that reaffirm the excitement and time you put into teaching everyday. We all love to hear that we are appreciated so that keeps me motivated everyday. I have to say one of the most relaxing gifts I have received was one for a bit of pampering what woman wouldn’t want that :).
Q: Let’s face it even teachers are looking forward to summer. What are you looking forward to this summer?
I cannot wait to take my daughter Annabelle to the pool and on little day trips. During the school year we don’t have a lot of time to really do the things I want to do so summer is the perfect time. My husband is a math teacher at Central so we are planning to take her as many places as we can. Relaxing, reading, and finally sitting down to sew is on my must list for this summer.
Q: How do you compare teaching to motherhood? How are they similar and how are they different?
Teaching is having fun, exploration, taking care of your students, and making sure they are doing their best at every moment of the day. I hold my kids accountable. There is nothing different when considering those aspects. The only difference I have found so far in motherhood and teaching is I have one at home and not 24 :).
Q: Your road to motherhood was a bit rocky, with a difficult pregnancy and a baby born several weeks premature. How has your little girl — and your experience becoming her mom — impacted your life?
I am lucky to have had an awesome family and group of friends to support us through our NICU stay. Annabelle was born 2 ½ months early and we are just lucky to have her here. With her being in early intervention therapy services and not having the “normal” start to life was hard to adjust to. It makes you appreciate the small things and be gentle when talking to parents in the school setting. I wouldn’t say I appreciate her more then any other mother would but I understand how fragile life can be. We have a lot of fun in our household that’s for sure. I love to make a lot of noise, create chaos, and laugh as hard as I can with her. Having fun, not worrying about what other kids are doing at her age, trying new things, being silly, and being together as a family takes priority.
Q: With Mother’s Day coming up what does it mean to you, but when you think of your own mom and now being a mom yourself?
My mom is remarkable. I grew up knowing I was safe and in a good place because of my parents. She was a kindergarten teacher so she was so patient with me. I was (and still am) notorious for misplacing things and she would always say no big deal we will find it. I never really understood how much I needed and loved my mom until we went through my pregnancy and NICU stay with Annabelle. I have come to appreciate everything she does for the three of us and the rest of my family. In my family I never felt it was Mother’s Day it was just a day to appreciate women in general. If you are a mom or not I feel like Mother’s Day was a day to celebrate all you have done for your family. I could not survive without the women in my life. My friends, mom, sister, aunts, grandmas, cousins, all the women in my life this past year have been an overwhelming support so I would like to think it is Women’s Day more then anything.
Do you know a Chambana mom or dad to know? We love nominations!