Hi, my name is Betsy DuKatz and I was born and raised an Italian/Polish city girl from Milwaukee but just 6 years ago we “bought the farm” and moved to Eagle. After graduating from University of Wisconsin Lacrosse I began, my now 30 year, teaching career in the Milwaukee Public schools. After just four years I accepted a position in Mukwonago and I have now taught at Rolling Hills, Big Bend and currently at Park View middle school.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Gene and I have four children, Sam(26), Grace(22), Lucy (14), Cooper(12) and a soon to be daughter-in-law Brianna. Our family is very connected to our school district having a teacher, two instructional assistants and two still in the MASD system 🙂 Aside from our lovely humans, we have three dogs (Jack, Daisy and Rosie) 21 chickens and two barn cats.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
All of my careers, prior to teaching, have involved children and the community. I worked many a summer as a camp director, playground leader and adaptive PE summer program instructor. I love that all of my jobs and career for the past 30 years have allowed me make a difference in someone’s life. Aside from my family, my coaches, teachers and mentors have had a big part in shaping my life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My son Cooper and I LOVED going to our “breakfast spot” at the Hen House in Eagle. Sadly, we have had to find another and Blue Bay has been a great place!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I began working for MASD 26 years ago but only just moved to the area 6 years ago.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Italy and travel to the small village where my grandparents came from. Family is everything to me and knowing your roots/history is very important!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
History of the World by Mel Brooks was a classic favorite growing up. Outside of that I love to watch documentaries or anything medical (Greys Anatomy) .
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Find your JOY within. Life is going to put you through some “stuff” and people or circumstances will come and go. Cultivate that genuine JOY inside of you. . .that stays and makes all the difference!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Becoming a speaker and writing a book.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Old school rap 🙂 I grew up in the 80’s roller skating and break dancing. Now at 54 the dancing would involve something breaking 🙂
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Hen House. My son Cooper and I would have great early morning chats over some fabulous breakfast.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Oprah. The legacy and difference she makes as a person is incredible. I would have to say “Fork In The Road” for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the hiking trails! There are so many beautiful places and trails that you feel like you are up north each time your journey on them.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
In a profession that seems to have more people leaving every year, I have chosen to stay and do my best to make a difference one student, one family at a time. I love to see my former students, now with families of their own, out in the community. It fills my heart to hear “Hey Mrs. DuKatz!” as someone takes time to give me a hug. It’s even more meaningful, when years later, they still remember what you said or what you did that they loved.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Coming to the end of my teaching career and hopefully snuggling some grandbabies.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was on a break dancing crew, in 7th/8th grade, called the “Pony Express” 🙂
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Our honeymoon in Jamaica at Dunn River Falls.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Best day on the calendar . . .December 4, 1996 the day I became a mom. Favorite month would be July but my favorite season/holiday would be the Fall/Thanksgiving
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My friendships . . .they are just a call away for anything I need.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children and my students. The most meaningful thing I can do as a person is to leave a legacy that matters. A legacy that will show up again and again for generations to come
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Musk & Pine
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My Beautiful Chaos
