School and Community Winter 2023

that. We greet students at the door. Every class period we do “good news” and in my classroom, its student led. The students share and then they ask each other, “What’s your good news?” Sometimes it’s huge, good news and sometimes they just make something up. Either way, it’s fantastic because it gives you a glimpse into their personal life and it lets you know where they’re at and gives you some points to connect with. I always share good news as well, which helps them get to know me better. It allows me to be transparent with the kids and tell them, “My daughter came to visit!” or “I had a really great cup of coffee this morning.” It builds a connection, and we can often find something to build on. I love teaching... I love teaching in a middle school, and I really love building those relationships. Being referred to as the school mom is kind of my thing. I want to help build their confidence and give them the tools that they need to be successful. What is one piece of advice you like to give your students? It’s okay to fail. That’s where true growth comes from. We don’t get better at anything by always being successful at it. Being comfortable and confident enough to fail at something - and to fail in front of someone else - that’s hard. That’s really hard. My classroom is an environment where that’s okay. We’re going to learn together and come prepared with resources. MSTA is totally a family ordeal. When Steve and I started going to events together and first attended a legislative day, I had assumed that Steve knew Bruce [Moe]. They actually hadn’t met, so Bruce said, “Oh, you must be Mr. Stacy.” And so that stuck, and one year we had Steve’s delegate card changed to say Mr. Stacy. Steve and I were teasingly coined “the MSTA power couple” a few years ago and it’s pretty funny. There’s a School and Community article from awhile back of Steve and I wearing Mr. President and Mrs. President shirts because I was the CTA president in Waynesville while Steve was the CTA president in Rolla. So, that being said, we just have a really good time. We enjoy spending time together and building relationships with others. What does MSTA mean to your family?

14 | WINTER 2023 S&C