Kathy Binder retires after 30 years of teaching at Campion Academy

It is hard to imagine Campion Academy without Kathy Binder as a full-time staff member teaching English and Family Science (Home Economics), but after 30 years of dedicated service at Campion and 43 total years of teaching, her retirement is well-deserved.

Binder is a Northern Colorado native and graduated from Campion Academy in 1972. She studied at Union College and has been teaching in Adventist academies ever since her graduation in 1976. She began at Campion in 1989 by teaching Home Economics soon after her son was born. Over the years, she continued to add on more classes until she was full-time. In addition to teaching, Binder has been a Student Association sponsor for over 10 years, helping student leaders plan many fun activities throughout the years.

Binder’s care and concern for each student has been the basis of her career as a teacher. “The best thing about working at Campion has been getting to know all the students,” she explains. “I enjoy developing relationships with the students and also with my co-workers.” She continued by advising our current teachers hoping to follow in her footsteps to “take time to enjoy the people and students. Don’t get so wrapped up in the grading and planning that you don’t take time to enjoy the people.”

Her dedication to Campion Academy has been made obvious throughout the years, and along with her husband Kevin, she plans to continue to be an active member of the alumni association and will serve on the school board during retirement. She says she is proud to have been a part of Campion Academy: “We have a solid educational program to prepare students to make the next step in their education and future careers. Also, Campion staff and students are caring; people look out for each other and care about what is happening in each other’s lives. It is wonderful to see the students so connected to God spiritually,” she explained.  

Life is coming full-circle for Binder; just as she started at Campion teaching one class and caring for her young son, she plans to teach one class of Independent Living next year while having more time to care for her aging parents.

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We are creating a memory book for Kathy.

​If you would like to participate, please send your message
​and photos to Darcy Force at [email protected]. 

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Appreciation from students:

“Thank you Mrs. Binder for all your hard work and for dealing with so many students. Because of you, I started to enjoy poetry and writing. You’ve helped and inspired so many, and you’ll be deeply missed at Campion.” - Blessing S.

“Mrs. Binders worships at the beginning of each class really impacted me this year. Her worships almost felt like they were directed to me and the people in the stories had relatable experiences.” - Haley B.

“Mrs. Binder is a really fun-loving person as I’ve seen from river trip to SA. Also she is really clutch when you need a recommendation letter.” Weston H.

“Mrs. Binder has impacted my school experience by helping whenever I needed it. She wasn't just a teacher; she was a friend. She always loved being a part of our lives. We would ask her a question and she would always try to make it clear and simply answer.” - Lizzie P.

“Mrs. Binder has always been a positive influence. I always looked forward to coming to English class in the mornings just to see her smiling face because it always seemed to bring joy to all of her students.” - Jordyn D.

“Mrs. Binder is an amazing teacher. She so sweet and she always ask how we’re doing.” - Blet H.

“In the English classes I took from her, Mrs. Binder started each class with a time for students to share prayer requests. She would wait to continue with class until each student who had something to share had the opportunity to speak. I remember coming into Campion as a freshman confused at some of the events, and not only was Mrs. Binder willing to take our prayer requests, she was willing to answer and discuss any event that was coming up and show genuine excitement with and for us. This personal connection was very important to me and it showed me how much Mrs. Binder cared for me. Mrs. Binder, you will truly be missed!” - Madi J.

“Even though I only met Mrs. Binder this year, I enjoyed the daily morning devotions she would read.” - Emma C.

“I love Mrs. Binder because she is always super understanding and sweet, I love how she teaches and she will definitely be missed!” - Faith E.

“Mrs. Binder has been a very good teacher, I will miss seeing her and going to her class. I will miss you Mrs. Binder!” - Audra B.

“When I was going through a lot of stuff this year she was able to be there for me. She is such a great person. She is loving, kind, and can always find a way to make people laugh. - Sandra A.

"Having Mrs. Binder around was so fun. I would just be walking around the halls and she would always greet me to ask me how I was. Class was also fun too because she was always interested in what a person had to say and that's something I appreciate about her. I'm really going to miss her presence here, but I'm glad that I got to call her one of my teachers." - Melody 

“Mrs. Binder was the teacher of my very first class at Campion. She made a fantastic SA sponsor, teacher, faculty family member, and so much more.” - Sami H.

“Mrs. Binder was always such a sweet teacher. I could tell she cared about each one of her students and was always asking how we were doing. Mrs. Binder will be greatly missed!” - Megan M. 

“Mrs. Binder has taught me the fundamentals of English and has challenged me to find a balance between school and other aspects in my life! I appreciate her advice and I’m thankful that I was one of her students.” - Regan G.

“Mrs. Binder made us think, and think deeply. Her classes required us to examine how we looked not only at grammar, but at society, social issues, and ultimately our own spirituality.” - Kean J.

“Mrs. Binder has impacted my life by helping me to see, through her assignments and through her character, that I need to open myself up to others and to myself so I can truly figure out who I am.” Anonymous student

“Several of my family members have had Mrs. Binder as a teacher and she is one of their favorite teachers. Same goes for me! She is a very talented teacher and I enjoyed my time in her class!” - Kaileigh C.

“For me Mrs Binder was one of the most compassionate teachers. She showed mercy when I didn’t deserve it.” Carla R.

Appreciation from staff members:

“Kathy has always been such an even-keeled, pleasant person to work with. I love how she can remain calm and keep the students going even when it gets chaotic. She knows how to display strength in quietness.” - Kent Kast

“The friendship we have had for many, many years is unforgettable.  You have been an inspiration to me through your marriage, work ethics, teachings, charitable acts of kindness, and love for God.  Blessings to you and Kevin.  I am proud to call you both my friends.” Dean Helm

“I appreciate how Kathy helped me during my first couple of years as a teacher. She always had the best advice on how to handle situations that were all new to me.” - Erin Johnson

“I have enjoyed how Kathy has brought excellence to education.  Her classes set the bar high.  What makes her a great teacher is not only her knowledge, but her care and concern for students.  She recognizes that education is preparing the student for the future and she would give as much of her time and life to help.” - Don Reeder

“Kathy is definitely a team player, always willing to help out where needed.  She is very pleasant and positive, always wearing a smile, and goes the second mile to help her students be successful.” - Sherry Hay

“Kathy is delightful as a colleague.  "Mercy" she has a great, positive personality.” - Dawn Fagan

“Kathy is the perfect mix of no-nonsense and compassion.  She is resilient and demonstrates the ability to do what is needed though things may be difficult.  I also admire how even though this was her last year, she didn't shy away from learning new ways to teach and utilize technology.  She will be greatly missed by staff and students.” Wendy Eickmann

“Kathy has been fun to work with. She is patient with the students and I have always loved hearing her say "Mercy Child" when a kid is doing something ridiculous.” - Steve Eickmann

“I’ve appreciated working with Kathy because she was always willing to collaborate and share ideas. She has included many thoughtful and creative projects into her curriculum and she is a great team player!” - Jill Harlow

“Kathy is consistently kind, gentle, caring and gracious to her students and staff. What a joy and blessing it has been to work with her.” - Patricia Torres

"While I only got to work with Kathy for one year, I'm certainly glad she was here as I began my career at Campion. Kathy served as a mentor to me as I jumped in to teaching the Senior English classes, and through her guidance I was able to navigate some of the initial challenges that I faced as a new teacher." - Jordan Dubini

“I've always appreciated working with Kathy because she never had anything negative to say--she was always upbeat and positive. She worked hard and was always willing to try out new things--which impressed me for someone who had been working there for 30 years! She's really going to be missed and I wish her the best on her next adventure.” - Lindsey Santana