Name: Shelby Carpenter
Location: Jackson Heights Elementary, North Jackson USD 335, Holton, KS
Class/content area taught: First grade
What are you most excited about with your new career? I am most excited for the opportunities to build my students up and help them become the best versions of themselves. I deeply value relationships and believe the connections I foster with my students will help them grow into outstanding, well-rounded, and wholesome members of their community.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? I truly enjoy the moments when my students understand their own potential. That “aha!” moment when the lightbulb comes on in their little brains and they realize their capabilities. I know they can do anything they put their minds to, but watching my students make that connection for themselves is heartwarming.
What are some specific things your school district has done to support you? From the moment I accepted a position at Jackson Heights Elementary, I have received nothing but genuine support and care from individuals throughout the district. They have connected me with other first-year educators in the district, sent me to workshops to prepare for this upcoming school year, and above all else have taken sincere initiative to build a relationship with me. I am grateful to be a part of a community that believes in me as an educator and motivates me to strive for greatness.
What are some specific things you believe KSU especially helped prepare you for your new career? Whenever anyone asks me where I went to college, I am always excited to share about K-State. The College of Education prepared me in a myriad of ways to become a teacher. But, the one thing I think made all the difference was how soon I got into classrooms. From a very early point, I was enrolled in education courses allowing me to volunteer in classrooms, tutor students in after school programs, co-teach with my peers, and much more. These courses provided opportunities to apply the knowledge I gained in class; I was able to begin growing into the type of educator I wanted to be. I am thankful for these real-life, learn-by-doing experiences that shaped a strong foundation for my career.
Are there specifics about your background that make teaching the perfect fit for you? My decision to pursue a career in education was greatly influenced by my mother, Tammi, who has worked in Special Education for nearly 20 years. Her love of serving others and giving so much of herself for the sake of her students was an inspiring influence on my life. If one day I am half as wonderful of a teacher as my mom, I will consider myself incredibly lucky.
Suggestions/encouragement for new teachers: A lot of fantastic educators have given me advice as I venture into my first year. Tips, tricks, and everything in between to keep my classroom—and sanity—in tact. But, to be honest, the best piece of advice I have received was simply this: trust yourself. Many people will have an opinion on how you should do things, what worked well for them, etc. You are in this profession for a reason and have overcome obstacles and challenges to get to where you are at the end of the day. Take a deep breath and remember why you’re here. You’ve got this.
I want to extend the best of luck to all educators, whether it’s your first year or otherwise…! It may look a bit different, but we can do it!
Bonus question, thanks to the Pandemic: How has the Pandemic shaped your classroom—the environment, safety precautions, etc.? How has it affected you as a new teacher? As COVID-19 continues to drastically shape our world, I find myself thinking about my students’ safety at a much more concentrated level. Above all else, I want my students to be safe, and now I cannot even begin to brainstorm an activity transition without thinking of their health and well-being. Will I have enough time to sanitize the materials? Can we still engage in this Kagan structure while maintaining proper physical distancing? How soon will we be washing our hands again?
Our world has changed significantly since the spring, and while COVID-19 presents its fair share of challenges, I am confident in myself and fellow educators to continue to do right by our students while still providing the best possible educational experience.