Altus High School teacher Mrs. Catherine (Cathy) Gover has a passion for teaching her students, as well as for her community. Mrs. Gover proclaimed, “I am proud to teach at my alma mater. It means everything that my school cares about the whole student, not just their grades.”
Mrs. Gover teaches Math at Altus High School, and is winding up her 23rd year as a teacher. Mrs. Gover stated, “I mainly teach Algebra 1 to freshmen, but also teach all the other Math as needed during the ½ day at our Bulldog Academy (the alternative school). There, I have 7th – 12th graders. In my career I have taught 7th-12th grade Math, Robotics, Coding, Computer Science and Technology.”
Notable accolades and accomplishments for Mrs. Gover include AJH Teacher of the Year 2010, Masonic Lodge Teacher of Today 2011, being selected for the American Fidelity Fellowship in 2022, as well as being listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Mrs. Gover thinks highly of her students. She stated, “My students impact my life, daily, in so many different ways. They remind me that each day is precious and brings a new beginning through their resilience, and they continue to teach me the importance of having fun.”
“Currently, I am the advisor for the Interact club called ATI (Altus Teens Interact). It is the high school version of Rotary. We spend the year doing service projects, helping our community, our school and our local Rotary club. We recently helped Rotary raise money for new community pickleball courts. “
“At different times in my career, I have been the advisor for the Student Council, Math Counts, TSA (Technology Student Association) and Robotics clubs. I was recognized as the FLL Oklahoma Robotics Coach of the Year in 2021.”
Mrs. Gover also currently sits on the school improvement committee and the staff development committee.
“I have always been intrinsically motivated. I love the feeling of setting and reaching goals. But what motivates me to teach is the feeling of purpose I get when my students go ‘Aha, I understand,’ or when I know I have been a positive influence for a student who needs one.”