School and Community Fall 2022

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY The magazine for educators

This is my

Profession

FALL 2022

AT BUNKER HILL

BUNKERHILLRETREAT.COM • 417-934-2333

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DEPARTMENTS 5 Professional Development

FEATURES 12 Meet the 2023 Regional Teachers of the Year

19 Convention Information

46 Rewind: 75 Years of Bunker Hill

38 News

COLUMNS 8 Perspective:

41 Honors

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42 Reading Circle

the Grass isn’t Always Greener

10 Discover Nature

44 Book Review

Schools Curriculum

PEOPLE 6 Beekeeping: Della Bell-Freeman

24 An Unexpected Calling

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29 The Many Hats of My Profession

26 Intergenerational Teaching

34 Teacher to Teacher Advice

30 Accepting the Challenge to Fly

36 Teacher Tip: Gaming

32 Unique Hobbies

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Cover: Kara Potter Images this page: Kara Potter, Smithsonian, stock.adobe.com

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800 -392- 0532 • www.msta.org

The Measure of Success

Perspective

BY CHUCK MARTIN, MSTA PRESIDENT S uccess is defined in so many ways. It can be reaching a goal you have set for yourself or completing a big project that you planned and followed through. uccess, for a mechanic, is diagnosing and fixing a problem with a vehicle. A business might view success as producing a product and making a profit on it. Everyone has their own vision of what is successful. For us, as educators, success is measured by how we treat and influence people. One of the most difficult tasks as an educator is to define the bar of success in your own walk as a teacher, as well as for the students in your classroom. Let me remind you why this is so difficult. We are in the people business, NOT in the product business! We are called to encourage, inspire, motivate and educate the students in our classrooms. We need to be careful not to lose sight of what a special opportunity this is to impact future generations. We not only influence our students and their families, but also the colleagues with whom we work. Teachers must recognize their own strengths and do their best to support their colleagues. This will make the team stronger. Several times throughout my career, I have witnessed educational teams say, “We have such a great team!” or “We work so well together!” This is accomplished when teammates let their talents shine so the team can be successful and they can share the success as well as the burden. The success of educators should not be defined by MAP score data, state championships, or even the number of books read. Nor should the amount of curriculum we cover be the measure of our success. The true measure of success is found in the attitudes and effort of those whom we influence on a daily basis. Success in the educational world is demonstrated by teachers as we show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in our daily interactions. Your students do not care how much you know about your curriculum until they know how much you care about them. Every day, we need to bring our best and find the energy to positively influence those around us. It is vital that we surround ourselves with great support systems to be there for us on those hard days when we

struggle to be our best. Your support system could include family, colleagues at work, church friends, or even MSTA members from across the state. These are the people that complement our strengths, encourage us on those rough days, and challenge us to be our best. This summer at our MSTA leadership conference, Dr. David Geurin inspired us and motivated us with five points which are very fitting for educators to reflect upon to be successful: Enjoy the journey. Every day we need to find the motivation and energy to bring our best. Where your focus goes, your energy flows. Sometimes we look for miracles that change the world; we need to see the small miracles that happen in our classrooms every day. Be happy when others succeed. We are all blessed with individual talents. We should lead the fan club for those in our circles when they succeed, running to the front of the line to congratulate them. Admit mistakes and repair relationships. Don’t let pride be the factor for you or others whom you influence to fail. We all make mistakes. Step back, own them, and continue to grow. Lead with humility. The words “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” are very powerful. Meet needs and clear barriers. In the people business, we must serve people at their point of need. If serving is beneath you, then true leadership is beyond you. The greatest leader ever demonstrated servant leadership. We should follow HIS lead. Be a learner and share your learning with others. Work smarter not harder. If you are having a difficult time with something, chances are someone around you has gone through it as well. Remember that we are a team in this journey. Together Everyone Achieves More. I am so blessed to serve as your MSTA president this year. I want to remind you about your walk-up songs from my last article. Take a moment if you have not already and find your walk-up songs. Listen to them daily. Encourage, inspire, motivate and educate our future. Thank you for all you do for your students and communities. We are in this together. We are MSTA!

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Podcast GO PD 2 GO PD 2 2

1st Quarter, 2022

GO PD 2

1st Quarter, 2022

1st Quarter, 2022

The magazine for Missouri educators

Team Buider

MSTA OFFICERS President, Chuck Martin, Bolivar R-1 President-elect, Stacy Blakley, St. James R-1 Vice president, Pam Lowe, Sikeston R-6 Treasurer, Amy Kelsey, East Buchanan C-1 Past president, Halley Russell, Jackson R-2

MSTA’s Virtual New Teacher Summit Are you a new teacher looking for FREE professional development specific to new teachers’ needs? Register today for MSTA’s first Virtual New Teacher Summit. This is a synchronous learning opportunity designed specifically for new teachers. The Summit is your opportunity to connect with other Missouri teachers while learning about topics of interest to you. Join us Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, from 5 – 8 p.m. for three 50-minute sessions over a variety of topics such as student engagement, classroom management, instructional design and time-management. Presentations will be recorded and made available to participants attending the event live. Online Learning Opportunities for Educators MSTA is pleased to announce our new learning management system. We recognize how busy Missouri educators are. With the addition of this new resource, you can take a course at a location and time that fits your schedule. Our online courses are available for educators at every stage of their career. For new teachers, we offer the online Beginning Teacher Assistance course. This course, along with ongoing learning opportunities, can help new teachers meet DESE’s certification requirements. We also offer courses appropriate for all educators on engagement strategies, establishing a positive learning environment, reading strategies for all content areas and dyslexia. We will build our library throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on your email or check the MSTA website for updates on new courses. Chrome Extension Popsicle Sticks is a Chrome Extension that serves as a random name generator that has the ability to store multiple classes. Check out MSTA's new podcast, MSTA Presents! Looking for a podcast that's specific to educators in Missouri? Free Online Courses MSTA is proud to offer free online courses for educators across the state. New courses will be added throughout the year. Learn more here! no matter what age you teach. Team Buider Scan the QR code to access the slidedeck. Click through the slidedeck to learn m re. Wa t to sign up for a cours on engagement strategies? You can do so here! Lines and Blobs is a great way to build community in your classroom, no matt r what age you teach. Team Buider Scan the QR cod to access the slidedeck. Click through the slidedeck to learn more. Want to sign up for a course on engagement strategies? You can do so here! Li es and Blobs is a great way to build community in your classroom, no matter what age you teach. Lines and Blobs is a great way to build community in your classroom,

Podcast

Are you an elementary or middle school teacher who teaches math or science? Check out Legends of Learning!

BOARD Kezia Bohanon, North Kansas City 74, Gtr. Kansas City Region Amanda Bradshaw, Mt. Vernon R-5, Southwest Region Looking for a p dcast that's specific to educato s in Missouri? Podcast Looking for a podcast th t's specific to educators in Missouri? Tisha Clawson, Bolivar R-1, Southwest Region Dana Cravens, Richmond R-16, Central Region Diane Gonzales, East Newton Co. R-6, Southwest Region Noelle Horner, Hillsboro R-3, Jefferson County Region James Kreyling, Mehlville R-9, Greater St. Louis Region Tyler Lappe, Cape Girardeau 63, Southeast Region Beth Ogden, North St Francois Co R-1, Southeast Region Mindy Parshall, Hannibal 60, Northeast Region Andrew Reynolds, Centralia R-6, Northeast Region Ashley Stanton, St. Joseph, St Joseph Region Christopher Wright, Rolla 31, South Central Region

Have questions about these resources? Contact professional_learning@msta.org for more support. activities that make math and science skill more au hentic. This platf rm can be used to teach, view r even as a formative assessment. Scan the QR code to set up your free account. Legends of Learning offers engaging games and activities that make math and science skills more authentic. This platform can be used to teach, review or even as a formative assessment. Scan the QR code to set up your free account. L gends of Lea ning offers engaging g mes and Legends of Learning offers engaging games and activities that make math and science skills more authentic. This platform can be used to teach, review or even as a formative assessment. Scan the QR code to set up your free account. Are you an elementary or middle school teacher who teaches math or science? Check out Legends of Learning! Are you an elementary or middle school teacher who teaches math or science? Check out Legends of Lear ing!

Scan the QR code to access the slidedeck. Click through the slidedeck to learn more.

Check out MSTA's new podcast, MSTA Presents! Check out MSTA's new p dcast, MSTA Presents!

MEMBER SERVICE COORDINATORS Kim Bielinski

Charles Brooks Glenn Bussen Keri Cottrell Marca Hayter Ryan Lewis

Erin Burnham Jen Conner Tracy Darian Aubry Kruse Mike Martin Sarah Papineau

Shaelynn Nordwald

Mindy Walker

Mike Walsh

Bruce Moe Chrome Extension Popsicle Sticks is a Chrome Extension that serves as a rand m name generator that has the ability to store multiple classes. Free Online Courses MSTA is proud to offer free online courses for educators across the state. New courses will be added throughout the year. Learn more here! Chrome Extensi n Popsicl S icks is a Chrome Extension that serves as a random name generator that has the ability to store multiple classes. Free Online Courses MSTA is proud to offer fr e online courses for educators ac oss th

MSTA COMMUNICATIONS Administrative Assistant Jennifer Bacon Director of Marketing and Communication Todd Fuller Design & Video Coordinator Michael Lising Digital Strategist/Project Manager Kara Potter Creative Media Specialist Lindsay James

MSTA Executive Director

PUBLICATION POLICY Articles published in School & Community do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Missouri State Teachers Association.

Advertising: Only those products, services and programs endorsed by the Board of Directors of the Missouri State Teachers Association may carry such notification. Advertising in School & Community does not imply such endorsement. Indexed by “Education Index.” It is the policy of the Missouri State Teachers Association

Want to sign up for a course on engagement strategies? You can do so here!

not to publish materials or advertising that would promote a competing organization or be detrimental to the Missouri State Teachers Association.

Copyright © 2022, Missouri State Teachers Association. All rights reserved, including the right to reprint any article, photograph, cartoon or artwork published herein. School & Community (ISSN 0036-6447) is published three times during the year by the Missouri State Teachers Association. Non-profit bulk postage paid at Columbia, Mo., and at additional mailing office. Annual subscription price of $15 is included in membership dues. Current single copies cost $3.75. Postmaster: Send address changes to School & Community, 407 S. Sixth St., P.O. Box 458, Columbia, MO 65205-0458.

(Volume 109, No. 1)

Have questions about these resources? Contact professional_learning@msta.org for more support. Have questions about these resources? Contact professional_learning@msta.org for more support.

P.O. Box 458 Columbia, MO 65205 LOCAL: 573-442-3127 state. New courses will be added throughout the year. Learn more here!

800-392-0532 www.msta.org

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Member Profile: Della Bell-Freeman BY PEYTON ROBERTS AND DAVIN AHUJA, COMMUNICATIONS INTERNS W hile the world around us was shutting down and we all adjusted to new norms like

a well-established hobby,” Bell-Freeman said. “I became interested after we moved to this part of the state. Our property is a fantastic location for beekeeping so I thought, ‘why not try it out?’” The first step was talking to a local expert – an employee at Nixa Hardware. She would visit him most Saturdays to get his recommendations and soak up any information he had to share. She then read articles and books, watched videos and learned from others who had previous experience with beekeeping. “What I learned is that there are lots of approaches to beekeeping. The bee expert I spoke with takes a simplistic approach and that has inf luenced how I manage my bees,” Bell-Freeman said. This hobby came naturally because, she claims, educators and beekeepers need

social distancing, Della Bell-Freeman was adjusting to a different kind of routine – taking care of bees. “My bees arrived in the spring during the onset of COVID and gave me something other than the pandemic to fill my mind.” Bell-Freeman started with two ‘nucs’ of bees. For those of us who aren’t as privy to insect terminology, ‘nucs’ are small bee colonies created from larger colonies housed within the boxes that are usually thought of when picturing beekeeping. She started with 10,000 bees in her first nuc, but this number quickly grew into 50,000 bees split between two hives. “In southwest Missouri, bee-keeping is

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many of the same personality traits. “In order to be a successful beekeeper, you need to be patient, observant and a lifelong learner,” she stated. Just like educating a student, it takes time and a lot of observation to see the hive grow and to successfully harvest honey. Not only did Bell-Freeman foster new skills through this process, but she also found peace and stress reduction in this new hobby. “Bees taught me that I can overcome my fears and helped me cope with the stress of COVID-19,” she said. “My first year as a superintendent was the first year of the pandemic.” Similar to how some people cuddle with their dog or cat at the end of a long, hard day, Bell-Freeman gets to focus her attention on her bees and find comfort in these beautiful creatures. Looking forward, Bell-Freeman plans to purchase another nuc and add an additional hive to her farm. She will continue harvesting honey for gourmet cooking, creating bee balm and learning more every day about bees and what they do in their mysterious hives.

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The grass isn’t always greener... BY MICHELLE TURNER, RETIRED MEMBER T he grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It’s such a cliche but, like with most cliches, there is a big kernel of truth in those words! I have to confess that when it comes to my choice to take the early and reduced retirement after 25 years as a public school teacher in Missouri, the grass hasn’t necessarily been greener on the other side. Now that I have spent a full school year out of the classroom, I get a chuckle out of what I thought my life would be like versus the reality of it. I really did buy into the myth that once I left the land of full-time employment, my life would be radically improved. Less stress and more free time were within my reach! However, those weekly lunch dates with old friends and extra time to take care of “me” never really seemed to come to fruition. All those mental images of how I’d finally drop the pounds I packed on by stress eating have been replaced with the image of the same old me in the mirror. Is my blood pressure down? Sure! But looking back is the reflection of a woman who just swapped out one form of stress for another. So, my MSTA friends, as a woman who has sat where you are sitting, consider this a “cautionary tale” of the things I didn’t see coming when I was in your seat seeing that, technically, I could retire early and not wait for that magical Rule of 80. Inflation, anyone? One thing that certainly isn’t greener on the other side of my retirement is how fast that monthly check goes out the window. I not only sat through the retirement planning offered by PSRS/PEERS, I also met with three different financial planners before I made the decision to retire. Three. Sadly, not one of them had a crystal ball to paint the true picture of what my first year of retirement would look like. Little did I know that from May 2021 to May 2022

the Consumer Price Index was going to experience the biggest 12-month increase since 1981. And, as if that wasn’t enough, June 2022 would see inflation soar to 9.1%. From groceries to gas and every little thing in between, any budget I had planned was obliterated. Because of this, one of my new retirement hobbies has been figuring out how to make my dollars stretch further. I learned how to cut coupons and use cash back apps. Upside, Ibotta, and Fetch have all been helpful. I have also taken online surveys to get discounts or gift cards to offset soaring prices at the checkout lane and gas pump. I gotta be straight with anyone pondering an early retirement. You SHOULD meet with multiple financial planners to take and compare notes. However, be prepared for a scenario like I have faced that was never put on the table. Now, you might think to yourself, “Doesn’t PSRS/ PEERS grant cost-of-living adjustments when the Consumer Price Index is that high? Didn’t her monthly retirement check go up?” Brace yourselves, folks. Yes, on October 25, 2021, the PSRS/PEERS Board voted to give retirees a 5% cost-of living adjustment that started in 2022. However, that didn’t apply to me because I technically hadn’t been retired a full year. I was super excited when I saw that 5% increase had been agreed upon but - just like a balloon deflates under extreme pressure - my mood dropped fast when I realized it had no impact upon me in 2022. “Your Time Is Not Your Time” Only one of my recently-retired friends warned me, “Your time is not your time, Michelle.” I remember her saying that and not totally grasping what she meant until I found myself living it. Listen, I know that as a full-time teacher you feel pressed for time. I was there for 25 years and I fully understand how there never seems to be enough hours in the day. When I signed those forms and stepped into the

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land of retirement, I had dreams of all the books I was FINALLY going to have time to read and how much better-rested I would feel. This is where if I could insert a sound effect, I would make sure you heard a LOUD buzzer and me yelling, “WRONG!” Situations vary, but over the past year of retirement I have worn many hats. None of these hats are ones that protected me from the sun as waves lapped at my feet while I sipped a fruity drink in some tropical location. My daughter pointed out to me that technically I am in the “sandwich generation” and that’s why I didn’t have a lot of time for myself or tropical getaways this past year. Even though I wish this term meant consuming more footlong subs, it really means that I live a life where I am in between helping aging relatives and raising a kiddo of my own. For example, I have tried hard to spend more time with my 91-year-old grandmother who constantly has new nuggets of wisdom for me. When not with her, I try to find ways to get the protein drinks she needs for a bargain. You see, inflation has impacted her, too! I have been on hand for my 76-year old stepfather any time he will accept my help. A lot of this past year involved sorting through items with him to decide what to keep, sell or donate. Many of these treasures belonged to my late mother and the process of sorting through what remains of her earthly possessions rips at my heartstrings. However, the ladies at the resale shop always seem excited to see me. I tend to see them on Wednesdays. Uber-ing my daughter to and from school, math tutoring sessions, driving lessons and social events put a lot of miles on my vehicle, but it put a lot of smiles on my face. I will say an unexpected bonus to her “taking her time” to get a license were some great car chats. We aren’t big on having the radio on nonstop, so sometimes that silence was filled with her expressing her thoughts on a multitude of subjects. Now that she is fully licensed, it looks like she plans to use my Uber-ing services less often during my second year of retirement, which is her senior year of high school. However, she’s already been tapping into my help with essay contests, art portfolios for prospective colleges and more. She keeps me on my toes! The point is, free time is an *illusion*. Unless you have ZERO relatives or loved

ones in your life that you associate with, you may not have time for that beach vacation or those books you wish to read. There’s literally been weeks I have been so busy that I have wondered when I had time to have a full time teaching job and a family too?! Let’s look back at the case of my dear friend who told me, “Your time isn’t your time.” What takes a LOT of her time these days isn’t her newly-constructed She Shed for her glass art; it’s grandbabies and children and other family members she loves so dearly. I have come to the conclusion that, while I do need to make time for the hobbies and experiences I enjoy, being in the “sandwich generation” doesn’t last long. While it can be hectic, stressful, and frustrating, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Side note: once the kiddo goes to college in the fall of 2023, I am predicting you might find me spending a few days on a beach somewhere sipping something fruity with a big floppy hat on my head and a book in hand. It’s my goal. No Regrets Overall, I honestly am on the fence about my choice to retire early. Was it the smartest thing I have ever done? Part of me fears that in about five years, I will kick myself for not waiting for full retirement and hitting the Rule of 80. With that said, I try to live a life without regrets, so while I don’t regret the choice I made, there’s times I wish I had a better picture of what I was getting into. And that is the reason I wanted to share this with MSTA members who may be sitting there pondering leaving education on a reduced retirement package. Please, don’t think the grass will be greener on the other side. It’s just different, and different isn’t always better, it’s just different. Michelle Turner spent 23 of her 25 years of teaching at Washington High School in Franklin County. Her dedication to teaching journalism earned her multiple state and national honors that include being named the National Broadcast Adviser of the Year by the Journalism Education Association in 2016. She still volunteers for SchoolJournalism.org when she is not assisting her animal-loving daughter with their cats, aquatic turtle, and gecko.

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Addressing Science Standards with Discover Nature Schools: Kindergarten

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M eeting all science standards can be daunting for teachers, but fret no longer! The Missouri Department of Conservation’s newDiscover Nature Schools (DNS) Kindergarten curriculummeets all Missouri Learning Science Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All lessons are inspired by local Missouri nature phenomenon. This taps into students’ natural curiosity to understand the world around them. Lesson framework is based on the 5EModel of learning: engage, explore, explain , elaborate and evaluate . By engaging students’ interests and accessing their background knowledge, teachers can quickly build excitement. Here are some examples of how students can explore different scientific concepts: · Earth and Space Sciences: Digital thermometer temperatures are taken to understand how the sun warms the earth, impacting black bears and their different color phases. · Engineering, Technology and Applications of Science : Students use materials in the schoolyard to build a shelter protecting the bear puppet from possible severe weather, engineering a site a bear might find and use as a den. · Life Sciences : Using observation skills, students draw, record and count plants and animals in their schoolyard. · Physical Sciences : Students experience forces while learning how black bears push branches away and pull food toward them to eat. Finally, evaluation is built into each lesson along with each unit through formative assessments built in. Order your materials today! Simply visit education.mdc.mo.gov/ Kindergarten . From the Teacher Portal, you can order both the Teacher Guide and Student Guides. You can also sign up for Teacher Workshops provided by your local Conservation Educator. The training allows you the opportunity to learn more about the curriculum and how to engage your students in your schoolyard. Training also qualifies classrooms with the opportunity for transportation reimbursement for field experiences and long-term loan agreements for DNS Teacher Kits, supporting hands-on learning. For additional information contact Wendy.Parrett@mdc.mo.gov or MaryBeth.Factor@mdc.mo.gov. The First Grade Discover Nature Schools curriculumwill be available later this school year and provides all the same benefits as DNS Kindergarten. Check science off your classroom list by knowing that students will be engaged in hands-on, real-world learning. Feel good knowing students are learning all the science content required by grade level standards. This is a win for both your school and your students!

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2023 Missouri Regional Teachers of the Year C ongratulations to these terrific educators! MSTA is honored to have 16 of our members included among the 2023 Regional Teachers of the Year, as announced by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Furthermore, six members were named semi-finalists and three were named finalists. Committees comprised of education peers and key stakeholders from each Regional Professional Development Center (RPDC) in Missouri selected the 2023 Regional Teachers of the Year. MSTAmember James Young, a music teacher in the Ferguson-Florissant R-2 School District, served as Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.

throughout the school year. It takes a lot to admit to your students that you are still learning as they are, and there are so many wonderful professionals who are happy to come out and share the classroom for a day. If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? One of the things you would notice if you spent years teaching on our band staff in Belton is that I lead the planning of my year with curiosity in mind. I like to think about what new and creative performance options I could provide and set up for my students that they (and our band staff) haven’t done before. There are plenty of people in our community who haven’t had the opportunity to see and hear a band performance, and I try to spice things up every year with new places to perform to give those people an opportunity to be blown away by our students’ hard work. District: Kingston K-14 Grade level: 10-11th Subject: Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and Robotics Number of years in education: 8 total - 3 as a teacher’s aide and 5 as a certified science teacher When did you know you picked the right career? I knew I had picked the right career as a teacher when I noticed that students were having fun learning in my class. Also, every time I have a student seek me out because they’re having a bad day or just need help and they feel comfortable coming to me. What makes you eager to start a new year? I get eager to start a new year when I’ve had lots of rest and have found new projects or lesson ideas that I look forward to introducing to students. It is really Allison Gill School building: Kingston High

Dylan Noble *semi-finalist School buildings: Belton Middle School and Belton High School District: Belton School District Grade level: 7-12th Subject: Band Number of years in education: 7

When did you know you picked the right career? The moment that I knew I had made a true difference in my students’ lives was one day during our annual band camp when all my students surprised me with the spirit day. Each year for band camp, the second week of camp our student leadership decides on different spirit days to dress up, similar to homecoming. On one of the days, I show up completely surprised that all my kids changed the theme to “dress like Mr. Noble for the day” without me knowing, which meant wearing their most fashionable plaid shirts, khaki shorts, fake name badges and straw hats. It was amazing that of the 100+ members in band, not a single one of them squeaked the surprise to me beforehand! Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? For a teacher to attain growth, they must surround themselves with veteran teachers who can help them address their weaknesses. In band, there are so many instruments that my students learn in class. It was impossible for me to know the ins and outs of every single instrument as a first year teacher, especially those instruments with which I was not as familiar with. One of the best pieces of advice I would tell myself is to bring in professionals to model and clinic for my students on instruments that I am not an expert in. I wasn’t enrolled in a jazz ensemble throughout my time in college, but I’ve had students receive All-State Jazz honors because of the investment that I’ve made into finding professionals who are willing to come into my classroom and work with them

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important to me to try new things and find new ways to make content that might be a little dry, more visually interesting and interactive. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself as a first-year teacher to take a breath and don’t beat yourself up over the little things. I wanted everything to be perfect and that’s not possible when working with all of those different little personalities that walk into the room every hour. Just love your kids, love what you do, be authentic and persevere!

to her content. I love that this book gives daily reflections and challenges that all educators can put into practice.

Jacki Lee *semi-finalist School building: Cedar Ridge Elementary District: Branson R-4 School District Grade level: 1st Subject: All Number of years in education: 30 If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? I think my colleagues would say my teaching style is collaborative and kid-focused. I have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing educators. Currently, I work with a fantastic first grade team. We are very different in teaching and organizational style, but that is what makes us great. We all care deeply about our students. We all come at things differently, and that is what makes us strong. We have tremendous respect for each other, and we lift each other’s teaching through our collaboration. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? First, find people who think differently than you do. A friend of mine and I have had extensive conversations about this. It feels good to find the people who think like you do, but where your colleagues can lift your teaching. They can help you hone what you believe, and they can help you develop in areas where you are not as strong. The second piece of advice would be to embrace the families of your students. Sometimes we have to really work hard to not take offense at what parents have to say. The truth is if you can listen long enough, you will often hear people share about wounds or insecurities they suffered in their own schooling. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? I think the best advice I have ever received is to trust yourself and give yourself some grace. This is hard work, but it is enormously important. The job is humbling. You often have to balance a tremendous number of things all at once. Make the best decisions you can, and give yourself a break if everything is not perfect all of the time. As long as you are keeping what is best for your students in mind, you will find you are getting most of it right.

Kate Healy School building: Montgomery County R-2 Middle School District: Montgomery County R-2 School District Grade level: 6th Subject: English Language Arts

Number of years in education: 14 When did you know you picked the right career? I started teaching straight out of college. As my friends also graduated and went off to their careers of choice, I quickly realized that, often when hanging out with friends, they discussed their displeasure with their work while I was always babbling on about my students and my day at work and howmuch I enjoyed it (well, most of it at least). I get to do a job that has purpose and meaning and that is incredibly gratifying. Being a teacher is far more than “just a job.” If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? I think they would say that I am passionate, patient, consistent, and a bit quirky. I believe in giving kids infinite grace, while always holding them accountable for their behavior and learning. What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? I have recently picked up cross stitching. I did it some as a kid and am really enjoying getting back into it. I’m currently working on a cross stitch scene of Hogwarts to display in my classroom. And yes, I am fully aware of how dorky that sounds. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I think I would tell myself several pieces of advice. First, give yourself and your students the grace of every day being a new day with a clean slate. Next, fake it until you make it, it gets easier. Finally, unapologetically ask all of the questions. Teaching is a team effort and we need to rely on one another’s knowledge and expertise to ensure kids get what they need. What is the best book you’ve read recently? Professionally, the best book I have read recently is 180 Days of Awesome by Monica Genta. If you aren’t following Monica, you are missing out. She is a breath of fresh air, bringing humor, honesty and incredible passion for students

Bergen Toth School building: LaSalle Springs Middle School District: Rockwood School District Grade level: 6th Subject: World History Number of years in education: 26

What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? I have recently started listening to podcasts. I love music, and never thought I would enjoy listening to someone talk.

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Now I cannot get enough of them. My friends now chuckle when I mention something I heard on a podcast. And, I am not just saying this since MSTA started up their podcasts again. But I am not ashamed to say that I have listened in! Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? The advice I would give myself as a first year teacher would be to give yourself grace. It is okay to not know everything and to make mistakes. No one is perfect. Just like the students in our classroom are going to need second chances, so will you. What is the best book you’ve read recently? I absolutely loved Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Everyone needs to read it. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? Best piece of advice I have been given is to just love your students. When they know you care, they will learn. Subject: Special Education Number of years in education: 7 When did you know you picked the right career? I knew I had chosen the right career during our end of the school yearbook signing when I got teary eyed saying goodbye to my students for the summer. If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My colleagues would describe my teaching style as having endless amounts of patience and a calm demeanor in tough situations. What makes you eager to start a new year? Being in special education, I have some of the same students several years in a row. I get to build meaningful relationships with each student and their families. What makes you eager to start a new year? I look forward to each new school year to plan how we can take their educational and social/behavioral growth to the next level (as well as all the creative fun and laughs we will share along the way). Julie Pagán School building: Soaring Heights Elementary School District: Joplin R-8 School District Grade level: K-5th

Matthew Matheney *finalist School building: Miller High School District: Miller R-2 Grade level: 9-12th Subject: Mathematics

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Number of years in education: 4 years When did you know you picked the right career? When I was sixteen, I had a sort of lightbulb moment. An idea struck me (more of a feeling, at that stage) for a school that would give students and teachers an opportunity to affect real change in the world around them. It became my life’s goal and I have never wavered in my dedication to the profession since. Of course I have ups and downs, but that vision is always smoldering in the back of my mind. Every step I take towards that goal just renews my passion for teaching. If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My colleagues very rarely see me teach. I’m the only high school math teacher at my school and my classroom is at the end of a very long hallway. Historically, there have been days where I am so engrossed with managing my classroom that I never see another adult. The fact that I work in a very supportive district means that this issue cannot be unique to me or my school. It is a product of our current system, and I think most educators would agree it shouldn’t be that way. I wish my fellow educators had time to observe me teach and give me feedback, and I wish I had time to do the same for them. If they could, I hope they would say, “He has a student-centered teaching style with a focus on discovery and critical thinking.” Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? My primary advice for new teachers is to find a piece of the profession that inspires them. Teaching is not easy. It will take whatever amount of personal energy you are willing to give. Thus, teachers need to find some wellspring of encouragement that will sustain their passion for the profession. Mine is achieving a part of my overall vision for education, namely a school that provides opportunities for students and teachers to create real change in their environment and the world. Generally, I can make small steps toward this goal in my own classroom, but larger milestones come every now and again. www .hlg.edu

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Last year, I was able to organize the All-School Congress project with the help of my colleagues. It was a school wide reenactment of the U.S. legislative process, where the bills passed by students had an authentic impact on their own school environment. It was rejuvenating to witness the type of teaching and learning I had envisioned for years. What is the best book you’ve read recently? I was recently captivated by Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics . Many a paragraph, I found myself nodding in agreement. It outlines best practices for refocusing classroom activities on student discovery and critical thinking. These are methods I had been aiming for in my own classroom, but I never would have had the time to carry out the action research necessary to pin down optimal strategies for implementation. Luckily, I do not have to, because someone else already has! Isn’t that the beauty of collaborative practice? Kristy Green School building: Kennett Middle School District: Kennett #39 Grade level: 6-8th Subject: Family and Consumer Science-LifeSkills Number of years in education: 16 If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My class is a very non-traditional hands-on class. My students do not sit down much. One of the main things I hear is how dynamic and fast-paced my day is. In reference to my teaching style, I would say you may hear the words dynamic, inclusive, passionate, holistic and facilitator of Project Based Learning. What makes you eager to start a new year? After starting a school-based enterprise with my classes last year, I am very excited to keep the momentum going and build on what we have started. I will retain several of the same students along with several new and those students with last year’s experience will be able to build on their skills by taking on leadership roles as well as learn new things! The incoming 6th graders are excited to be in my class because they have heard about all that we are doing. It really is an exciting time to be a part of Kennett Middle School and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us! Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? There are so many things I would go back and tell myself in that first year as a teacher. Probably the main thing would be that it is okay to ask questions and let your mentors and the amazing educators around you guide you. Collaboration is important to build confidence, not be so stressed, feel connected and to establish the lifelong learner mind frame.

Crystal Eldred *semi-finalist School building: Butler Elementary School District: Butler R-5 Grade level: 2nd and Reading Interventionalist Number of years in education: 19.5

What is the best book you’ve read recently? The best book I’ve read recently has to be Equipped for Reading Success by Dr. Kilpatrick. I didn’t have an understating of the importance of phonemic awareness until I read his book. I gained insight into the reading brain and I use this book daily with struggling readers as we practice the phonemic awareness one minute drills. What makes you eager to start a new year? As I start a new school year, I look forward to sharing my love for multi sensory structured literacy. The impact I’ve seen in my second grade classroom was amazing and I can’t wait to work as a reading interventionist in our district. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? If I could give myself any advice as a first year teacher it would be three things. First, find Orton-Gillingham literacy training and sign up for it. When I was trained through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, it was the best training I’d received in all my years as an educator. I wish I would have done it sooner in my career. Secondly, as you start a new school year, call all your students’ parents on the phone within the first week of school to share something positive about their child. You want to have a positive year with parents? Start it off early and make the first call home something that makes your parents know you want the best for their child. Parent communication is the key to a successful school year. Lastly, be a life-long learner. Always be on the look out for the newest research education. Learn from your colleagues as well, I’ve become a better teacher because I learned from their experience.

Lindsey Watson *finalist School building: Sunny Pointe Elementary District: Blue Springs School District Grade level: 4th Number of years in education: 10

When did you know you picked the right career? Teaching has always been my passion. When I first started my career, it felt like a hobby that I have been lucky enough to call my job ever since. I am incredibly grateful that I listened to my dad’s advice. He said, “Choose a career you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I would tell myself to find a strong mentor teacher, observe others, and ask questions. Do not be afraid to try

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new things and take risks. As long as you are reflective and never lose sight of your why, you will have an amazing career as an educator. What is the best book you’ve read recently? Professionally: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown For Fun: Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? "All students are worthy of success. Accountability is the best gift we can give our students because it has the ability to change lives." – Marty Huitt

Cassandra (Cassie) Smith School building: Orrick High School and Elementary District: Orrick R-11 Grade level: K-12th Subject: Art Number of years in education: 18

What makes you eager to start a new year? I think the thing that makes me most eager to start the new school year is getting to restart the creative process with my students. One of the best things about being K-12 is the continuity of having them year after year, so I don’t have to spend a bunch of time on rules and procedures. We can jump right in! Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Looking back, the advice I would give myself as a new teacher is that I do not have to do it all but do my best at the things I can get done. I felt as a newbie I had to be involved in everything, but all it did was add to the new teacher’s exhaustion. What is the best book you’ve read recently? A good book I read recently is The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. I loved how it had just the right pace of revealing pieces of the mystery, so it kept my attention, but not so much that I figured it out before the big reveal. What makes you eager to start a new year? I absolutely love teaching math. When you love what you do, going to work is easy, even when the work is hard. Since every group of students is different, I look forward to seeing what new faces and personalities I will meet. In a small rural district, I teach an 8th-grade supplemental math class and a 12th-grade dual credit class. Seeing how they have grown in that timespan, both in mathematics and as soon to be young adults, is wonderful each August. What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? Recently I have tried to get outdoors more and see more of nature. While visiting my sister in Alabama we took a trip to Prattville and saw a 26-acre bamboo forest. In the midst of a city is a beautiful and peaceful wilderness park. What is the best book you’ve read recently? I enjoy reading National Geographic and Scientific American magazines, as I am not an avid book reader. However, I am currently reading: Dear Math: Why Kids Hate Math and What Teachers Can Do About It, by Sarah Strong and Gigi Butterfield. With a title like that, how could I resist? Michele Spitzmiller School building: Arcadia Valley High School District: Arcadia Valley R-2 Grade level: 6-12th Subject: Mathematics Number of years in education: 23

Kristina Kohl *finalist School building: Truman Middle School District: Lindbergh Schools Grade level: 6th

Subject: English Language Arts Number of years in education: 4 If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? Here is a quote frommy grade-level teammate and teacher best-friend, Allycia Uhrhan: “Kristina is a guiding presence, not only on the sixth-grade floor but in Lindbergh. For a teacher so early in her career, she has a calm and overall demeanor that shows her love and passion for what she does, while also pushing those around her to be their best and hold high standards. She is an advocate for students and teachers from all walks of life, and she goes above and beyond to not only make sure all voices are heard and all perspectives are represented, but that all hold themselves to seeing the whole child when we speak to or about a student.” What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? It’s totally not a “new” hobby, but anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I amwith ultimate frisbee. I have played competitive ultimate frisbee for nine years and coached the Lindbergh High School girls’ ultimate team for five, and it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me. If you’re not familiar, ultimate frisbee is a team sport played on a field similar to soccer. Every point involves seven players on each team running and passing the frisbee until it is caught in one team’s endzone (resulting in a score). However, what makes ultimate frisbee unique, and so exceptional, is that it is a self-officiated sport, even at the most elite levels of competition. This means there are no referees, and the players on the field are expected to know the rules, make the calls, engage in discussion, and resume play all on their own. We call this part of ultimate frisbee “Spirit of the Game” (SOTG). The vibes you find playing this sport are some of the best vibes around, and the community helps keep me motivated and energized year-round. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? The best piece of advice another teacher has shared with me is the “Find Your Marigolds” parable. It’s quite long, so rather than summarize please visit cultofpedagogy.com/ marigolds

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