School and Community Fall 2023

Name: Lindsey Kingsolver School building: Lewis and Clark Middle School District: Jefferson City School District Grade level: 8th Subject: American History Number of years in education: 10 Number of years in MSTA: 10

Name: Carrie Hill *semi-finalist* School building: North Andrew Elementary District: North Andrew R-6 Grade level: 2nd Number of years in education: 25 Number of years in MSTA: 25 When did you know you picked the right career?

If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? My colleagues would describe my teaching style as over the top and highly engaging. What makes you eager to start a new year? I am eager to start each new school year so that I can meet my students, see what they already know about social studies and then try to come up with new and exciting ways to engage them in my subject. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first year teacher? Looking back, the advice that I would give myself as a first-year teacher is that I should ask for help more often. People in the building would have been more than willing to help me, but I needed to ask instead of just trying to make it alone. Everyone is there for the common good and I needed more support than I let myself receive. What is the best book you’ve read recently? “Dreamland Burning” by Jennifer Latham. It’s a historical fiction book about the race riots in Tulsa in the early 20th century. It’s compelling, well written and a totally absorbing read.

I knew I picked the right career for me when I started my early childhood practicum. I learned from one of the best, Elizabeth Zahnd, and I firmly believe that I am who I am today thanks to her! If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? I believe they would say my teaching style is energetic and grounded in relationships and teamwork. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? The first 3-4 weeks of school are all about building community in the classroom and establishing routines. Academics will not happen without a strong foundation of community and routines. Name: Kelly Smith School building: Boonville High School District: Boonville R-1 Grade levels: 11-12 Subject: English and Communications Number of years in education: 8 Number of years in MSTA: 4 When did you know you picked the right career? When I returned to the teaching profession, I was leaving behind a very fulfilling career in non-profit management. I’ve always known that I needed to be in a service profession. The connections I’ve been able to build in the classroom and the growth and development I’ve seen in my students have given me some of the most rewarding professional moments of my career. And teaching really can be fun. I laugh with my students every day. What makes you eager to start a new year? Being with my teaching colleagues and getting to know a new group of students are both huge incentives for returning to school. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? I’d tell myself to focus on the positive moments and try to avoid getting bogged down in negativity or cynicism. Look for little moments of good in every day. What is the best book you’ve read recently? “Natural Born Heroes” by Christopher McDougall is a really fascinating study of what makes a hero. I liked it so much that I’m adding the book study for my senior level dual credit writing students. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? I’ve received so much amazing advice. The best is probably to focus on my sphere of influence. I feel passionate about what is going on at the state, federal or local levels, but I can only really (attempt to) control what goes on in my classroom. If that filters out and has a positive effect on the school climate, that’s even better.

Name: Kaylin Bade *finalist* School building: Washington Middle School District: School District of Washington Grade levels: 7-8 Subject: Food Cultivation, Processing and Preservation; Agricultural Sciences Number of years in education: 8 Number of years in MSTA: 8

When did you know you picked the right career? I knew that I picked the right career on my first day of substitute teaching. If I asked your colleagues, what would they say about your teaching style? “It centers on building relationships, but she’s also skilled at multitasking, being flexible and differentiating. Superwoman.” I asked a colleague and this is what she said. What makes you eager to start a new year? I’m always eager to start a new year because it is another opportunity to try new things. What new hobby or activity have you tried lately? Helping my son with his newest 4-H projects - making maple syrup in the forestry project and showing his first steer in the beef project. Both of these seem to be the start of new traditions in our family. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself as a first-year teacher? Take everything in stride and have patience. You’ll get there. What is the best piece of advice another teacher has given to you? “You are more than enough. Remember that. You are the perfect person to do this.”

S&C FALL 2023 | 27