Source: Union Public Schools
Eighth grade English teacher Kelsey McAfee has been named the 2021-2022 Union Public Schools District Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler made the announcement in a surprise visit to the 8th Grade Center Wednesday afternoon. Joining him were Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead and Assistant Superintendent Sandi Calvin.
“I became a teacher because I wholeheartedly believe that education can be the great equalizer,” McAfee said. “When provided with a free and excellent education, students are able to accomplish their goals and to create meaningful lives for themselves regardless of their circumstances. I wanted to be a part of the process that encourages young people to pursue their futures with hope and excitement for opportunity.”
McAfee said she specifically wanted to become a middle school English teacher because she believes reading and writing are essential life skills.
“They are tools for academia, creativity, communication, business, Social and Emotional Learning – everything. Middle school students are in a critical time in their lives for learning how to advocate for and express themselves and teaching these students to read and write more effectively is an impactful part of that development.”
McAfee started teaching at Union during the 2018-2019 academic year.
“My career in public education began in 2015,” she said. “Between the teacher walkout in 2018, recent political and social climate, and a global pandemic, I have quickly learned that teaching requires constant flexibility, endless patience and wild creativity. All that considered, my experience in the classroom this year has been excellent.
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“I am still working hard every day to become a master of my craft, but this is the first year that I have felt in a comfortable groove by October. I hit the jackpot with the mix of students I have this year, too. They are friendly, respectful, genuine, and willing to learn. I couldn’t ask for a greater group of students.”
She has a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education and English and her masters in teaching arts, both from the University of Tulsa. She is certified in secondary English, English as a Second Language, and has a College Board Advanced Placement certificate for English Language and Composition. She also hopes to continue her personal education by pursing a doctorate degree.
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