Where in the world is...Kat Deichler?

Kat Deichler is teaching first grade students with special needs in Doha, Qatar

Fort Worth, Texas

8/27/2011

Kat Deichler, a former TCU Special Education graduate student and Houston native, moved to Doha, Qatar in August. She is currently teaching 18 first graders with special needs at Awsaj Academy in a co-teaching situation. On Nov. 3, she will move to a brand new school building where she will have her own room with eight students.

“I am excited about using the tools I have been given in a completely different environment than I have become accustomed to as well as learning about the culture of the children I am teaching,” said Kat. "My students are challenging but lovable, and I am already seeing significant gains in reading and math just in the fifth week of school."

Kat added that the administration is "very, very supportive and makes the job much easier." She lives 15 minutes from a beautiful blue beach, 20 minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from downtown. In her spare time, she referees for a water polo team. She describes driving in Doha as "comparable to playing Mario Kart racing on Nintendo," but that she is feeling "all settled in and loving Qatar.