School and Community Fall 2022
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.
14 | FALL 2022 S&C
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