School and Community Fall 2023

had time away from the classroom. This is what helped me to feel less stuck or burned out. Others need time outside exercising, traveling or socializing with family and friends. Find the activities which help you to refresh and come back with a new perspective!” The most rewarding aspect of Watterson’s career has been the lasting connections with students and their families, who continue to seek her out and share fond memories. This is due to her teaching philosophy, which centers on nurturing self-sufficient learners with high expectations and intrinsic motivation. “When a former student says, 'Hey, do you remember when...?' I love the memories which come flooding back!” Watterson mused. “I cherish the knowledge that I have made a difference in their lives. It is gratifying to meet a previous student in a store, or have former students come back to visit, invite me to graduations, weddings and baby showers or even bring their child to meet me.” Looking back, her only advice to her younger self would be to worry less about small issues and focus on the bigger picture. As for the future, Watterson hopes for a less politically charged education system that allows educators and parents to make decisions in the best interest of students. “I wish there was less criticizing and looking to find fault with others, and more working together for the benefit of the students,” she said. “We live in a diverse world, and I believe each child must be given the support to learn of those diversities - and how to thrive in their situation.” As a dedicated member of MSTA since her student days, Watterson appreciates the support and advocacy the association provides for educators. Greater St. Louis Region T ammy Hagely (Mehlville R-9) is a proud 38-year veteran of the Missouri public education system. “I was in high school when I first decided I wanted to pursue teaching,” she said. “I received my associate degree from Meramec Community College and my bachelor’s degree from UMSL. I went on to get my first Master of Education from Lindenwood and a second Master of Administration from Lindenwood.” The start of Hagely’s career in the classroom was a bit untraditional as she

was hired on a Sunday afternoon and began teaching three days later. “My room was not exactly the way I wanted it, but the room was the least important thing in the scheme of things,” Hagely recalled. “The way I loved and treated my students and made them feel welcome and valued was most important. I was also excited to fulfill my dream because I got a job right out of college.” As any educator is aware, the job did not come free of challenges. With each passing year, Hagely learned invaluable lessons about the multifaceted role of teaching. Her priority was clear: building strong relationships with her students. “I learned how much baggage a child can bring with them to the classroom. You want them to read, write, pay attention, etc. when all they want is a safe place to feel loved and have their basic needs met,” she said. “Teachers truly wear many more hats than just educators; mom, grandma, nurse, counselor, friend, etc.” Hagely credits teaching in a Title 1 school for showing her that flexibility is key to meeting learners where they are. “Sometimes the education part has to take a back seat until their basic needs are met - then they can begin to trust you and learn from you,” she said. Balancing the demands of home and school life was another obstacle she faced early in her career. “I was a mother of two and stepmother of three. I wanted to be the best at both roles, but sometimes it was hard to let things go,” Hagely said. “I brought home a lot of work in the beginning of my career, but I had to learn to set a limit so that my family didn’t suffer. Mentally, it is also hard to shut my brain off. I worry about my students just like I do about my own children. Are they safe? Are they getting food to eat? A place to sleep? The list goes on.” Despite the challenges, her love for teaching remains unwavering. Hagely believes that removing negative influences and surrounding oneself with a supportive community of educators is crucial for personal and professional growth. “I feel like I put a lot of pressure on myself to follow all the expectations given to us,” Hagely noted. “Teachers have so many priority standards that they must teach in a certain amount of time. They are great guidelines, but I truly just do the best that I can with each class.”

classroom together instead of stressing about problems,” she noted. Adapting to changing times, Watterson embraced technology in her teaching, even transitioning to remote instruction via platforms like Zoom. “When I began teaching in the early 1990s, the most advanced technology in my classroom was an overhead projector and a wall-mounted push-button telephone,” she reminisced. “Now as I retire, each student has a Chromebook, which they use every day. I found myself excited to learn about new technology and how it could be used in my classroom, or remotely, to benefit the students and myself. What a great amount of change in those years!” Navigating change and pursuing happiness through a lifelong career takes diligence, which Watterson is no stranger to. “Facing burnout mid-career is a very personal and individual situation, but I truly believe that each teacher needs to find classroom management structures and techniques which work best for them,” she emphasized. “I am a person who needed to feel like I was getting things organized and well planned ahead of time, so I would take the time to plan and organize whenever I

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