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Who Am I: I’m a first gen, big hearted do-er who grew up learning to read people before I could read chapter books. I’ve worn a lot of hats. I’m the youngest out of 5 girls from different relationships my parents had before me. I’m the helper. The caretaker. The kid who asked “why” one too many times. And along the way, those roles shaped my empathy, my humor, and my work ethic. My family taught me resilience; my community taught me that every student walks into class with a story. I’m curious by nature, a reflector by habit, and a believer that small, consistent care changes lives.
Who Am I: I’m a first gen, big hearted do-er who grew up learning to read people before I could read chapter books. I’ve worn a lot of hats. I’m the youngest out of 5 girls from different relationships my parents had before me. I’m the helper. The caretaker. The kid who asked “why” one too many times. And along the way, those roles shaped my empathy, my humor, and my work ethic. My family taught me resilience; my community taught me that every student walks into class with a story. I’m curious by nature, a reflector by habit, and a believer that small, consistent care changes lives.
What I Know: I know relationships come first. If a student doesn’t feel comfortable, respected, or understood, the learning doesn’t stick. I know how to build trust and keep expectations high without making kids feel small. I’ve learned that classrooms thrive on community, routines, and a balance of structure and freedom.
What I Know: I know relationships come first. If a student doesn’t feel comfortable, respected, or understood, the learning doesn’t stick. I know how to build trust and keep expectations high without making kids feel small. I’ve learned that classrooms thrive on community, routines, and a balance of structure and freedom.
What I Have To Learn: I’m still growing. I want more tools for working with students who learn differently, more strategies for language learners, and stronger ways to use data without losing the personal touch. Each child is different and has their own way of learning and connecting with the world around them. I want to learn how to connect with those children and provide a safe space for them to grow and learn.
What I Have To Learn: I’m still growing. I want more tools for working with students who learn differently, more strategies for language learners, and stronger ways to use data without losing the personal touch. Each child is different and has their own way of learning and connecting with the world around them. I want to learn how to connect with those children and provide a safe space for them to grow and learn.
The Teacher I Will Become:
The Teacher I Will Become:
I will be the gardener,
hands in the soil of possibility.
Each student, a seed with promise,
each day, a chance to grow.
I will be the gardener,
hands in the soil of possibility.
Each student, a seed with promise,
each day, a chance to grow.
I will water curiosity,
nourish courage,
and guide their roots
to anchor deep and solid.
I will water curiosity,
nourish courage,
and guide their roots
to anchor deep and solid.
In my classroom,
they will learn that strength
comes not from sameness,
but from standing tall together,
each tree reaching for its own sun.
In my classroom,
they will learn that strength
comes not from sameness,
but from standing tall together,
each tree reaching for its own sun.
I will be the gardener
who believes in the roots they plant,
until they believe in them too
I will be the gardener
who believes in the roots they plant,
until they believe in them too
Comment Box:
Comment Box:
Hi Kelsey! Reading your page made me want to cry! I relate so much. You seem to carry such depth and empathy. I know each one of your students will feel safe, seen, and heard by you as a teacher. We get to be the influences we needed as kids! Excited for you! - Emily Mongold
Hi Kelsey, I think you have such a good foundation and know so much about what helps students thrive. I want to learn more tools for how students learn differently too because I believe that will help give us teachers more knowledge and strategies of how to best help every child succeed. I can see your uniqueness shine through your Author Page and appreciate your heart for wanting to connect with children and make the classroom not just a place to learn, but also a place for them to feel valued, encouraged, and inspired. Your heart and knowledge for how to connect with children will make such a positive classroom environment, I'm excited for your future as a teacher! - Anna Armstrong
This reflection is beautifully written and very inspiring! I love how you weave your personal experiences and family background into your understanding of teaching it makes your perspective authentic and heartfelt. Your emphasis on relationships, empathy, and understanding each student’s story really stands out, and your vision of being a “gardener” for your students is such a powerful metaphor. It shows that you not only care about academic growth but also the personal and emotional development of your students. Your reflection demonstrates both passion and a deep sense of purpose, and it’s clear that your future classroom will be a nurturing, empowering space.- Christina
Hi Kelsey! I just want to say I LOVED your poem. I love poetry and teaching and this combination is absolutely beautiful. It sounds like your upbringing helped shape who you are and who you plan to be when you become a teacher. I think it is so important to foster a childs curiosity and educations. Super deep! -dpn
I used ChatGPT to help me write my About the Author page. I asked it to explain the kind of teacher I will become using philosophies like progressivism and existentialism, but in my own style. I also used AI to make an image of me as a gardener helping students plant strong roots. My prompt was: “An earthy, boho-style illustration of a teacher as a gardener tending to a vibrant garden…”
My thoughts on AI are that it’s a tool, not a replacement. It helps me brainstorm, organize, and get creative, but the ideas and heart of the work are still mine. My policy is to use AI to guide me, not to do the work for me, and my belief is that it should always support learning, not replace it.
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