School and Community Fall 2023

Southwest Region E lizabeth Webster (McDonald Co. R-1) is proof that the path to becoming an educator is not always straightforward but can still end in success. Her initial aspiration to become a teacher was rooted in her experiences tutoring fellow students during her school years. However, during her senior year before student teaching, apprehensions crept in, leading her to take a five-year break from her education. “I made sure teaching was what I wanted and finally decided to go back,” she said. Thus began Webster’s 30-year career as an educator in various grades and subjects. “Starting in August 1994, I taught special education for eight years at Rocky Comfort,” she stated. “I then taught fifth and sixth grade for one year each, followed by 11 years in junior high communication arts. For the 2015-2016 school year, I moved back to special education in a totally inclusive co teaching environment. Since the 2017-2018 school year, I have been at McDonald County High School teaching special education.” Throughout these experiences, Webster has learned many invaluable lessons - one of which is the significance of listening to parents. “Parents want and need to be heard and listened to,” she said. “They have valid points. It is their child. Many complaints can be dealt with if they know you are listening and care what they have to say.” While difficult to navigate at times, this is advice that she hopes fellow educators will utilize among other tips she has picked up on over the years. “Change may need to happen to make you happy and change may be what you do to feel your worth,” Webster emphasized. “We all get tired. Find an outlet that rejuvenates you mentally and physically. Take time to rest.” Another simple tip for classroom success? Room temperature. “I wish someone had taught me earlier that room temperature can be a game changer when it comes to the attitudes of the students of my class,” she noted. “If it is too hot, people are sleepy and restless. Attitudes get outraged much more quickly. If too cold, they are uncomfortable and wanting to snuggle!” The bright point of every school year for Webster has been watching students come into themselves and learn to shine. “I have had some spectacular students in the last 29 years,” she said. “I have seen students, some of whom I questioned their

“Or so I thought,” she continued. “I subbed the next fall and was later able to return to an ELA position after three years out of education. When I came back, I structured my classroom and set boundaries for my students. I set classroom rules and asked my students to create rules that they thought were important, too. It sounds silly to me now, but I learned that students really do want guidelines because it lets them know that someone truly cares about them enough to make them follow the rules.” Bradshaw also learned to be patient and build strong relationships with her students, understanding that respect must be earned. This enduring lesson led to lasting friendships with former students and has also enriched her teaching experience. The journey of being an educator is not a straight line – Bradshaw advocates for forging individual paths to success. “Mix it up - don’t get stuck in the same rut!” she advised. “There are so many awesome resources out there now, that it is so easy to incorporate new ideas to bring your classroom to life.” Praising the innovations of social emotional learning methods, Bradshaw strives to understand her students’ backgrounds and recognizes that their lives may differ from her own. “Their experiences outside of school are probably not the same as mine were at that age. I also always try to treat others the way that I want to be treated and I try to instill that in the students as well,” she said. Bradshaw has been a member of MSTA since the mid-nineties. “I just love knowing that there is an organization that supports me and all teachers, offering resources,” she said. “I was on our district leadership team several years ago and also had the opportunity to go to Bunker Hill!” The excitement and joy that come with a breakthrough in understanding are truly rewarding. However, what touches her heart most are the encounters with former students in everyday life. “This may sound a little crazy but, to me, the biggest success stories are when I run into a former student in the grocery store (or see a post on social media) and they thank me for being supportive or for teaching them a life lesson,” Bradshaw emphasized. “Hearing that I had an impact on them means the world to me!”

ability to care for themselves, become loving and productive citizens in our community. Some students I never thought would be readers but developed a love for reading and learning in general. I read somewhere about Albert Bandura, whose teaching theory was if you make students comfortable to learn and in an environment that is risk-free, they will learn more and ask more questions. I took that to heart.” By fostering an atmosphere of curiosity and excitement, she keeps her students engaged and eager to explore new concepts, thereby kindling her own passion for teaching. Crediting her positive administrative team and colleagues as contributors to her success, Webster also referred to MSTA as an asset to her career. “MSTA has been a cornerstone to my education especially during my early years because I joined while still in college,” she said. “I have seen firsthand the value of belonging to an organization that cares about you. MSTA also has many benefits beyond the classroom. I feel it is an important part of my teaching career and would not teach without my membership.”

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