teacher in the spotlight

by CHRISTIAN WEANER

CAROLINE WATSON Bonners Ferry High School

Growing up in the year-round sunshine of Southern California, Caroline Watson never would have imagined living in the mountains of North Idaho, much less working in secondary education.

"Honestly, I didn't actually pursue teaching as a career, it kind of found me," Caroline said.

Yet, Caroline's unexpected journey to becoming a PE teacher, yearbook advisor and assistant volleyball coach at Bonners Ferry High School (BFHS) has been full of blessings along the way.

Caroline won a volleyball state championship in high school and went on to play at the University of San Francisco. At USF, Caroline earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and also met her husband, a Sandpoint, Idaho, native.

After college, a chance encounter gave Caroline an opportunity to begin her coaching, and eventually teaching, career.

"One day while surfing, the former BYU men's volleyball coach [Troy Tanner] had recognized me from the volleyball community and asked if I was interested in coaching volleyball with him at this new high school — [JSerra Catholic]," Caroline remembered.

principal at the time, Caroline decided to get her teaching certificate from Long Beach State University, and shortly thereafter took a role as a PE teacher and JV boys and girls volleyball coach.

Then, in 2010, Caroline and her husband moved back to his hometown of Sandpoint. That fall, Caroline began working at BFHS, where she has taught for the last 13 years.

In addition to teaching PE, Caroline was also hired to be the JV volleyball coach when she arrived at BFHS. She coached alongside Janis Tucker, a colleague and mentor who has made a big impact in Caroline's life.

"[Janis] has not only been a mentor to me in my teaching career but has also become a close friend," Caroline said. "Janis is a true example of a professional, intentional and hardworking educator, coach and mentor."

Several years later, Caroline was approached about becoming the school's yearbook advisor. Despite having no previous experience with yearbook, she has come to relish the opportunities to connect with her students that the new position affords her.

Caroline is the mother of three children under the age of 8, who keep her busy and bring her much joy.

208-295-1033

3mileauction@gmail.com

510311

Caroline agreed to give coaching a try, and she also helped at the school by working as a library assistant and tutoring students. With some encouragement from JSerra's

"When I'm not working, I'm taking my kids to soccer, baseball, wrestling, ballet, piano, etc.," Caroline said. "They are my life right now."

by CHRISTIAN WEANER