Staff Spotlight: Kate Becker, Maryville

By Brayden Cook '26

Every week throughout the 2025-26 school year, Granite City Community School District #9 will be highlighting a staff member for going above and beyond to give students a positive experience.

This week’s staff highlight is Kate Becker.

Becker is a social worker at Maryville Elementary School and has been working in the Granite City School District for 22 years.

Where did you go to school?
I received my bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Illinois University and my master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. 

What is the most rewarding part about being a social worker?
Being a social worker can be sad at times, but there are so many great things about the job. Being someone a student trusts enough to open up to is incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful to play a role in helping a student through a challenge at home or school. There are also times when families need extra support, and it’s truly fulfilling to be there to help.

What is your favorite memory working in GCSD9?
About 15 years ago, Maryville School had an assembly where two students were going to win bikes. Another staff member, my good friend Lea Ann, and I rode the bikes down the hall and into the gym. We looked ridiculous on bikes made for small children, but the students loved it! Last year, when the Maryville staff raced one another in blow-up costumes, was another favorite memory.

What is your favorite food?
Pizza and a Pepsi from Hit-N-Run.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love to read. I also enjoy watching hockey and football with my husband, walking through the park near our home, and going to high school football games with my best friend.

Family?
I’m an only child and incredibly lucky to have amazing parents. My mom was a social worker as well. My husband and I actually met when we were six and seven years old, so we’ve known each other our entire lives. We’ve been blessed with two happy and healthy children—our son is in college, and our daughter is a high school senior.

If you would like to nominate a deserving staff member, please email: information@gcsd9.net