Lake County Gazette

Kate Becker, a social worker at Maryville Elementary School, has been recognized by Granite City Community Unit School District 9 as this week’s staff spotlight. Becker has worked in the district for 22 years, supporting students and families.

Becker received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Illinois University and her master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Becker said: “Being a social worker can be sad at times, but there are so many great things about the job. Being someone a student trusts enough to open up to is incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful to play a role in helping a student through a challenge at home or school. There are also times when families need extra support, and it’s truly fulfilling to be there to help.”

Reflecting on her favorite memory working in the district, she recalled: “About 15 years ago, Maryville School had an assembly where two students were going to win bikes. Another staff member, my good friend Lea Ann, and I rode the bikes down the hall and into the gym. We looked ridiculous on bikes made for small children, but the students loved it! Last year, when the Maryville staff raced one another in blow-up costumes, was another favorite memory.”

Becker shared that pizza and Pepsi from Hit-N-Run are her favorite foods. She enjoys reading, watching hockey and football with her husband, walking through parks near their home, and attending high school football games with her best friend.

On family life she said: “I’m an only child and incredibly lucky to have amazing parents. My mom was a social worker as well. My husband and I actually met when we were six and seven years old, so we’ve known each other our entire lives. We’ve been blessed with two happy and healthy children—our son is in college, and our daughter is a high school senior.”

Granite City Community Unit School District 9 serves several schools across Madison County including Maryville Elementary School where Becker works (source). The district employs 320 teachers who earn an average salary of $67,898 according to state data; over three-quarters of these educators are women (source). The student population is diverse with approximately 65 percent White students along with Black, Hispanic, and Asian representation (source). In 2020, per-student spending was $17,739 totaling more than $106 million for the district (source).

Community members interested in nominating staff for future spotlights are encouraged to email information@gcsd9.net.