Teacher Profile: Jessica Kautz
Grade/Subject: K-12 Art.
Where did you grow up and go to college? I grew up in the small rural town of Lake Wilson in Southwest Minnesota.
I got my fine arts bachelor of arts from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. I returned to SMSU later to get my K-12 art education bachelor of arts.
How long have you been a teacher? I have been teaching art classes for over 15 years. This is my third year teaching in the school systems. All of them in Hill City. I can’t imagine teaching in any other school.
Why did you become a teacher? I turned 30 and decided I couldn’t be a starving artist my entire life. I love kids, teaching and art so it was an easy choice to go back to college as a nontraditional student and get my license to teach.
What do you love about teaching in Hill City? What don’t I love? We have the best kids, faculty and community to work in. I always feels supported, even when I ask for some very strange art project items. It is great to work in a community that supports the students and arts. If you are curious to see what we are up to in the art room check out our Instagram page @ranger.artists
Personal info? Coaching? Family? Pets? Etc.: At the high school I am working to build the Art Club and the school yearbook. I live in Rapid City with my husband Matt and daughters, Addy (3) and Izzy (10 months). We also have a 7- year-old Brittany Spaniel, Annie. I teach art classes at the Dahl Art Center in Rapid City on Saturdays and during the summer months. You can also find me selling my art at art festivals during the summer. Stop by Spearfish Arts in the Park and say hi.