Courtney MacCallum, a 2014 KSU graduate, is in her second year as a Special Education-Interrelated Resource Room teacher with the Blue Valley School District, and she was recently recognized as a 2017 Horizon Award winner. We visited with her about her professional journey.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
“I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a group of very supportive, friendly and professional coworkers that I refer to as my teammates. They are fun to work with and have made my transition to teaching easy. To see a student’s face light up after solving a problem is thrilling. Having the ability to turn a student’s day around and make them feel proud, is what I strive to do each and every day I walk into the classroom. Above all, knowing that I have the power to make a difference is what I enjoy most about teaching.”
In what ways do you find the second year of teaching easier than the first?
“In all honesty, I feel that my second year of teaching has brought on different challenges than year one. Yes, year one jitters aren’t as prevalent in year two, but there are times when I’m not totally comfortable with my own decisions. I continually reach out to my team for advice on various situations. I believe it doesn’t matter if it’s year one or year 20, no two years will be the same and the only dumb question is the question not asked.”
What are some specific ways you believe KSU helped prepare you for your new career?
“I am grateful for the excellent education I received at KSU…. KSU helped me prepare for my career in so many positive ways. Having professors that care and want their students to succeed formed the base of my teaching career. Their passion for teaching was contagious. I gained new insight in each course I took and valued any feedback that would help me grow as a young educator. The abundant amount of resources that the College of Education provides is extremely beneficial. I can’t thank KSU enough for providing me the right tools, knowledge, and confidence to be the teacher I always thought I could be.”
What suggestions or encouragement can you offer new teachers?
“Do your best. Be proud of the profession you have chosen. Have faith in your students and help them trust you. When trust is built, learning will begin. Have confidence in your skills and believe that you will make a difference in a child’s life.”
Other thoughts?
“Go State!”