Lessons with Love
It is clear through her engaging smile and positive nature that Staci Kelly, TCS 2nd grade teacher, loves being a teacher. “I cannot remember a time that I didn’t want to become a teacher,” says Staci. “I played teacher all of the time when I was a little girl. I just loved the idea of helping little kids. This is my 16th year as a teacher. Before coming to TCS, I taught in public school for 13 years.”
“Teaching 2nd grade is a blast,” she says. “I love that the students know how to read when they come to me and I can help them understand what they are reading by using different strategies. I also love that 2nd grade students enjoy school and the activities we do on a day to day basis. We do so many wonderful things in 2nd grade! I love our reading time together. It is a blessing to see so many light bulbs go off when they finally understand what they are reading. This sometimes gives them the ‘reading bug’ where they just can’t put down books! I also really enjoy when we perform science experiments in the classroom because of the joy that exudes from my students when seeing science come alive right before their eyes.”
Staci and her husband, Shawn, who is a firefighter, have known each other almost their whole lives.” We grew up together at church, and have been married for 13 years,” she smiles. They have two children, Grant, who is in 6th grade at TCS and Ava, who is in 3rd grade at TCS. “We also have 3 dogs,” says Staci. “Our family loves to spend time with our extended family and go to the beach.” Staci shares some fun facts: “I am the oldest of 3 girls. Our birthdays are January 24th, 25th, and 26th! Another crazy fact is that I dislike cheese,” she says.
“I love teaching at TCS for many reasons, but my most favorite thing about TCS is being able to teach about my faith in school,” she says “I love that I can stop at any time during the day and pray about any situation with the class or just one student. It brings a calmness to them.”
“I think the TCS is preparing Grant and Ava for a successful future in several ways,” continues Staci. “I believe that they are encouraged to work hard at being creative, to think critically, to communicate well, and to collaborate with others. I also believe that TCS does a great job teaching them to be others oriented.”
Staci shares her favorite Bible verse:
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13