We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathleen Covens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

In my teaching career, I felt limited in my ability to expand my ideas to fellow teachers, parents and children as I was limited to one class at a time. After retiring, I was motivated to write a book, entitled 1,2,3 with Mrs. C. This book addresses current concerns in an innovative way that is as easy as 1,2,3. Several topics are covered such as how to put magic in your day, how to deal with technology on a daily basis, how to be the power of one, how to set goals and handle failure with children.

Kathleen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a native Texan who grew up in Dallas. After teaching for 25 years over several decades, I was inspired to write a book that could be a handbook for parents, grandparents and teachers. In 1,2,3 with Mrs. C I offer innovative ways to interact with children. Sharing my struggles as a young teacher and the mother of a handicapped child, I offer insight and wisdom. I also coined a word “momenteur” which is someone who creates moments to be savored.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My oldest daughter became handicapped at 13 months. I became a single mom when she was 3. She lived with me until she was 6. She had no speech, could sit up but not walk or feed herself. When I could no longer care for her I made a permanent placement . Our time together prepared her to love and be loved by others. As a First Grade teacher, it was like Ground Hog Day every day. The only thing that changed was my daughter ( Shelly) got bigger. Everything else stayed the same. I was committed at the onset of her illness to give her my best so that she could benefit from my efforts knowing that I would not be physically able to care for her long term. After her placement, I traveled Europe for six weeks and changed my name and took other career paths. Eventually I had a second daughter and returned to teaching with a wealth of experience and wisdom as well as a sense of humor.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I loved my career as a teacher. I also love being a mother. A teacher can have a big impact one class at a time, however my ability to touch the lives of others with a book was finite. There are so many insights I gathered over the years, I want to share my life experiences and creative ideas to make a positive impact on others who interact with children.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kathleencovens.com
• Instagram: 123_with_mrs.c
• Facebook: Kathleen Covens

Image Credits
Dean Markham