FORT PLAIN — New Harry Hoag Elementary Fourth-Grade Teacher Meagan Kane has come home. And that’s exactly what she keeps telling people.

The recent college graduate and Fort Plain native said it feels great to give back to the district that helped her achieve her goals.

“I had a good experience growing up here and I want kids to leave my classroom and think that this part of Fort Plain was really good,” she said. Kane — who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta — worked as an aide in the district before accepting the teaching position this summer.

This year, she has 21 students in her class. She said she “really likes” teaching fourth grade because the students are at such an influential age. “In fourth grade, the students can get more in-depth with content, yet they still have innocence about them,” she said.

Kane said she doesn’t have a particular teaching style, but she loves to use humor in class because it creates a link to the students. “Humor breaks down that seriousness that might make the kids nervous. But, I’m also very serious too, so you have to dance the line between serious and humor,” she said.

So, have there been any surprises during the first few weeks of school?

“What shocks me is just how much effort and time even tenured teachers put into this,” she said. “All of my colleagues are dedicated and that speaks to the overall quality of people here in Fort Plain.”

Five facts about Meagan Kane

Favorite book: Number the Stars

Favorite musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite cafeteria food: ravioli

Favorite movie: Back to the Future

Favorite subject in school: history