As the sole Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher at Grafton High School (GHS) — and one of only a few FACS teachers in the area — Katelyn Gorder’s work is instrumental to the success of her students. Gorder began her career in Billings, Montana, where she taught FACS for eight years at Skyview High School. She helped to implement several hands-on learning experiences for students such as a Falcon Fuel Coffee Shop and an Adventure Club — both of which are still operational today. However, the Grafton native and GHS graduate returned in 2022, when she began making the FACS program uniquely her own.
An advocate for preparing students for college, career and life, Gorder assists with GHS career exploration events and started a new education course for those interested in pursuing a career as a teacher. Upon completion of this course, students have the option to be paired with a teacher through an Education Cooperative Work Experience to dive deeper into the world of education. Students outside of the district can participate remotely in this class, as well as Gorder’s Child Development class, through Northern Red River Interactive Television (NRRITV). FACS classes at GHS are increasingly popular, with students frequently enrolling in Gorder’s independent living, nutrition and food preparation, and culinary arts classes — where they are immersed in financial literacy, housing, personal health, food safety, cooking techniques, and more.
Eager to learn and grow as an educator, Gorder was both a presenter and a facilitator of GHS’ fall professional development event. Additionally, she serves as an advisor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) at GHS, where she works with students to compete in events and develop new FACS skills. Last year, several of her 12 FCCLA members attended the district’s 2023 Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events competition and the North Dakota State FCCLA Conference.
A familiar face in the Grafton community, Gorder’s kindness and patience support students both inside and outside of the classroom. Serving on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisory committee, she often brings guest speakers into class, allowing students to network and learn from local leaders and professionals. She also participates in Beautiful Inside and Out (BIO) Girls, a North Dakota nonprofit that works with young girls to promote self-esteem.
Gorder earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) from North Dakota State University in 2015 and her master's in curriculum and instruction from Greenville University in 2021.
Press release: Grafton Teacher’s Efforts to Prepare Students for College, Career and Life Leads to $25,000 Milken Educator Award Surprise
