Haynes Elementary School PE teacher Susan Thrane is a Killeen ISD STEEL Award winner for the month of January.
A Killeen native with deep local roots, Thrane is in her 30th year teaching, all in KISD, the district where she attended school from kindergarten through graduation.
She attended Bellaire Elementary School, Nolan Middle School and Ellison High School, then went to Central Texas College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Known to many as “Coach Thrane,” Haynes Principal Alice Baumann said in her nomination “Your commitment to the health and well-being of students and staff shines through every lesson, every positive interaction, and every effort you make.”
She taught fourth grade at Nolanville Elementary School and Reeces Creek Elementary School before moving to PE and just last year moved to Haynes Elementary.
The seasoned instructor quickly showed that in addition to crafting engaging lessons, she was a skilled and committed mentor and coach to her peers and a natural motivator to students.
Her efforts have transcended across the campus and beyond.
She provides extra PE sessions on a volunteer basis and even runs the scoreboard at Ellison basketball games and recently began helping on the sidelines for football games at Searles Stadium.
“On top of it all, you inspire your colleagues to take care of themselves too, providing resources for staff wellness and running the campus Facebook page, all while maintaining a positive, collaborative spirit,” Baumann said.
Thrane followed in the footsteps of her mother, who was an elementary teacher in KISD.
“I love teaching PE. We work with all the kids and teach them about being healthy and exercise, but we also get to play games and have fun. We get to see them outside the classroom. A lot of them tell us what they’re doing at home,” she said.
“I come here for the kids. I like to see them grow. I’ve seen some go from second grade to graduate from high school. That’s a lot of fun. I get to see the kids and that’s what it’s all about to me,” said Thrane.
“I was very surprised. I was at a loss for words. I don’t come here for recognition,” she said of winning the STEEL Award. “It was an honor to be recognized.”
