Katie Ellis has taught English at Darlington since 2010. She also serves as head varsity cross country coach and distance track coach. Ellis holds a B.A. in English from Sewanee: The University of the South, and lives on campus with her husband, Joel.
When did you decide that you wanted to be a teacher and a coach?
My own high school experience is the reason that I wanted to teach in an independent school. I went to a very competitive school and I was not at the top of my class (nor was I the fastest runner), but my teachers took an interest in me anyway and showed me how inspiring great teaching can be. My cross country coach was also my English teacher, my choral director was basically a third parent, and I knew that adults in the community cared about me. I am lucky to be involved in so many aspects of campus life at Darlington that I can get to know students in a variety of contexts; it really makes my job fun.
How was your experience as the head cross country coach for the first time? Favorite part? Least favorite?
I loved my first year as the head cross country coach. My favorite part of coaching is just the daily interaction with the team. I look forward to practice every day because of how much fun I have with this great group. My least favorite part is keeping track of the budget and filling out purchase orders. I’m no math teacher.
Since you teach English, is it your favorite subject, or is there one that you actually like more?
English is certainly my favorite subject, but I have always secretly wanted to be a creative of some kind. I took a lot of photography classes in high school and college, and I love working in a darkroom. I am sadly lacking in fine motor skills (or maybe I would have tried to be an art teacher), but I love doing craft projects. Mrs. Babb lets me pretend to be a craft teacher when I have weekend duty in Cooper House, which is a lot of fun.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
On my private island, riding horses, quilting, and reading novels. That’s a best case scenario, though.
