This week's Staff Spotlight goes to Kindergarten Teacher, Gracie Atkins!
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I’ve always had a heart for working with children, and I knew I wanted to do something that would make a difference in their lives. To me, teaching is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about loving them, encouraging them, helping them believe in themselves, and being someone they know they can count on. I get to be a small part of who they are becoming, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. There is something so special about watching them grow, not only in what they learn, but in who they are. I’m so thankful for the calling to teach and even more thankful that I get to be a small part of these little lives every day.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students?
I love hearing their stories and getting to know all the little things that make each of them unique! One of my favorite parts of the day is our morning meeting. It gives us time to connect, share, and start the day together. I love how it sets the tone for the day and creates such a sweet atmosphere in our classroom. Those little moments of connection are just as special to me as watching them learn and grow!
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing? I have a few things I could see myself doing and they are all SO different!! I think I would love to do something in criminal justice, marine biology or be a child life specialist!
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year?
I’m working on growing as a teacher and continuing to find ways to help all of my students succeed. I’m also working through LETRS training this year and learning more about how to best support my students as readers.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community?
One of my favorite things about MVES is how close everyone is and how much genuine care and compassion there is throughout our school community. I’m so thankful to work alongside people who encourage, support, and uplift one another. Teaching takes a lot of heart, and having people around you who pour into you makes such a difference. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year?
I love the holidays at school, especially the fall months from October through December! There’s just something so special about celebrating the holidays with my students and making sweet memories together. It’s such a fun time of year, and I love how our classroom starts to feel like one big family!
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family. No hidden talents!!
8. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Italy and Greece are both at the top of my travel bucket list! I would love to explore the little towns, try all the local food, and take in all the beautiful scenery. I also LOVE the ocean so anywhere with a pretty ocean view sounds perfect to me!!
9. What’s a food you can never say no to?
Chips & dip!! One of my most favorite snacks!!