College of Education News

Reaching great heights in teaching

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For his leadership, professional contributions and school engagement, Missouri State University alumnus Cameron Branson has received the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau’s 2023 Distinguished Teacher of the Year award. 

The Jefferson City native has taught at St. Agnes Cathedral School in Springfield for 13 years. He is one of three teachers at St. Agnes to have received this prestigious award.  

“To be held in in the same regard as those excellent teachers caught me by surprise. It really means a lot to me,” Branson said. 

Finding his footing at Missouri State 

Branson first attended Missouri State in 2006. He had not decided on a major through his sophomore year. A defining moment for him was an experience through his fraternity organization, Sigma Phi Epsilon. 

“We had some younger guys not making their grades, and I saw most of them were not doing well in math,” Branson said.  

Though he had never previously considered math his calling, Branson started helping these younger students by tutoring them twice a week. He quickly found teaching an enjoyable experience. 

“It just kind of fell into my lap. I didn’t declare a major until literally the cutoff date. It was a divine intervention,” Branson said. 

He declared a middle school education major, with an emphasis on math and science. Later down the road, he returned to MSU in 2016 to complete a master’s degree in educational technology. 

Branson initially struggled in his undergraduate program, but many of his professors “saw the spark” in him and pushed him to achieve success.  

Faculty emeritus Dr. Larry Campbell told him, “You have so much potential, and you’re not reaching the levels I know you can.”  

This interaction impacted Branson. He has used those same words throughout his teaching career to encourage students who were struggling like he once did.  

Branson recalls his professors taking a personal interest in all of their students, even in large lecture classes. He has taken on this approach as a teacher. 

“I think that my professors leading by example helped me build those connections with the kids in my classes,” Branson said. 

At MSU, Branson participated in several student organizations. As part of Sigma Phi Epsilon, he was a member of the Greek Week committee and the Interfraternal Council.  

Branson was also a member of the Beartones, an all-male acapella group. In 2009, they placed third in the world at the International Championship of Collegiate Acapella in New York City. Branson described it as his most rewarding collegiate experience. 

Commitment to teaching 

Branson started teaching at St. Agnes when he was 23 years old. Most of his co–workers had been teaching for over 20 years, so he found himself surrounded by experienced professionals he could look up to. 

One of Branson’s goals is to be a role model for his students. When he was in school, he only had three male teachers before high school.  

“I think there needs to be more male teachers for elementary and middle school students. It’s important for students to see a positive male role model in their lives from preschool to eighth grade,” Branson said. 

He helps keep his students engaged with learning outside of the classroom by sponsoring extracurricular activities. He helped start St. Agnes’ FIRST Lego League Robotics team. Through this activity, students learn principles of engineering and robotics. The team has found great success. 

“Out of the seven or eight years we’ve been doing this, we’ve sent five teams to state,” Branson said. 

He is also the sponsor for the school’s MATHCOUNTS and Math Olympiad teams. Throughout the years, many of the teams have competed in state competitions.  

“We had a team that competed against Central Scholars (for highly gifted students) and finished in second place. To be up there with Central Scholars in anything is such an honor,” Branson said. 

He has also sponsored other clubs that students showed interest in, such as a Dungeons and Dragons club.  

“Anything the kids want to try and do, I’ll try to facilitate it for a couple years to see if it’s something that will stick,” Branson said. 

According to Branson, his favorite part about teaching is spontaneity. 

“In most jobs, you walk in at nine and leave at five. If your day deviates, it’s just by a little bit,” Branson said. “I have a plan every single day when I walk into the class, but who knows how that day is going to go?” 

Branson likes the consistency of knowing each day that he’s going to teach, but not what unexpected events will occur. 

He loves it when the kindergarten students walk by his classroom with bright and shining faces. He also enjoys unexpected visits from former students who are now in high school, who drop by to tell him the impact he had on them. 

“It makes life fresh every single day,” Branson said. 

Sharing some advice 

Branson encourages those interested in an education career to stick with it despite the adversities. 

“Education is in a really weird spot right now,” Branson said. “I’ve only been a teacher 13 years, but I’ve seen such drastic ebbs and flows.”  

He said he’s spoken to educators who have been teaching for more than 40 years, and they believe the biggest changes in education have happened in the past few years. 

“Education needs strong people,” Branson said. “If you know this is for you, please don’t give up after a set of rough days. Teaching is hard, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” 

“It’s difficult, and it’s getting harder. But the kids need us.” 

Learn more about middle school education programs

COE alumna Courtney Baker named Teacher of the Year

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For her excellence in teaching, Missouri State University alumna Courtney Baker received the Teacher of the Year award for Hawthorn Elementary School, based in St. Peters, Missouri.  

Hawthorn is part of the Fort Zumwalt School District, which is headquartered in O’Fallon.  

“I was really honored to have had five different nominations this year to win this award,” Baker said. “It feels good when your hard work is noticed. That’s not why you do it, but it feels good when people appreciate you. Our school does an assembly with all the kids gathered chanting your name, and it’s always so fun.” 

Baker is also a finalist for the district’s Educator of the Year award. 

From West County, St. Louis, Baker has been teaching for eight years. She currently teaches kindergarten but has also taught first and second grade in the past.  

A positive Missouri State experience 

Baker first attended Missouri State from 2011-2015 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Wanting to become an expert in her field, she completed her master’s degree in early childhood and family development online in 2019. 

The biggest impact on Baker during her education was Dr. Denise Cunningham, associate dean of MSU’s College of Education.  

“She made it real for us,” Baker said. “She made it clear it wasn’t going to be sunshine and daisies every day in the classroom. She taught us real life survival.”  

Though Cunningham was upfront with the realities of teaching, Baker found her lessons exciting and engaging.  

“If she’s having this much fun teaching us, imagine how much fun we’re going to have when it’s our time as well,” Baker said. 

 Her favorite part of being a student at Missouri State was the energetic atmosphere.  

“There’s so much to be a part of everywhere you look,” she said. “We always called it a big school with a small school feel.” 

In her final year as a student, Baker served as president of University Ambassadors and received the Senior Woman of the Year award. 

Impacting young lives  

Baker comes from a long line of nurturing women with careers in nursing. While she always knew she wanted to help others, a job involving blood was off the table. 

“To be honest, kindergarteners’ teeth falling out at random is pushing it!” Baker said. 

Through her experiences working at summer camps and volunteering at a children’s crisis nursery, Baker’s heart discovered it had a special place for working with young children. 

“They have such a passion for life and such a unique outlook,” Baker said. “You get to help them not just with their learning, but in becoming a good person as well.” 

Recently, Baker read her students a book called, “How Full is Your Bucket,” as part of a lesson about spreading kindness to others.  

“Now everything I hear is, ‘I’m filling their bucket,’ ‘they’re filling my bucket.’ It’s so sweet to hear,” Baker said. 

When she started teaching at Hawthorn, Baker taught the same class of students from kindergarten through second grade.  While learning three new curriculums in a row was challenging, Baker found the overall experience rewarding because she got to watch her kids grow and see their humor develop and their abilities change.  

“It was really cool to forge a bond with those students and have trust and expectations built going year to year,” she said. 

One of Baker’s favorite parts of teaching younger children is following their progress throughout elementary school.  

“Sometimes the really, really quiet kid in kindergarten is the star of the school play in fifth grade. I love that I get to see these kids grow up and come out of their shells,” she shared. 

Some advice to share  

Baker tells students considering a career in early childhood education to “go for it; it’s super fun.”  

She encourages students to attend practicum opportunities while at Missouri State to experience the classroom environment.  

“What you go in thinking you want to teach might not actually be your calling,” Baker said. 

 She discourages those just entering the workforce from overwhelming themselves with the expectation of doing everything at once.  

“Get in there, do your best and follow your curriculum,” she said. “Don’t try to be the ‘Pinterest Teacher.’” 

Learn more about early childhood education programs

MSU alumna goes above and beyond

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Christy Osborne, a recent graduate of Missouri State University who teaches at Central Park Elementary, was recognized for her outstanding teaching.  

She was awarded the Teacher of the Year for the Monett School District.  

Osborne graduated from Missouri State in May 2022 with a master’s in elementary education and a graduate certificate in dyslexia. She is currently in her 10th year of teaching third grade.   

Osborne’s colleagues nominated her for the award because she goes above and beyond for her students.  

Using her passion to help others 

Several years into her teaching career, Osborne believed she had more to learn to be the best teacher for her students. She enrolled in the master’s program while teaching full-time. 

However, during the beginning of her coursework, she did not feel driven. She felt that her priorities needed to be fully on her teaching career, so she put the program on hold.  

She later noticed that some of her students were showing dyslexic qualities and realized she did not have the training to teach them.  

“The students felt dumb, and they thought something was wrong with them,” Osborne said. “I knew I needed more specialized training on how to help these students realize that they are smart and help them succeed academically.” 

When she discovered that Missouri State had a graduate certificate in dyslexia, she rejoined the program. She thought it was what she needed to help the struggling readers she sees every day.  

“Once I heard about the dyslexia certificate, I knew I had chosen the right college and picked up right where I left off,” Osborne said.  

During the last year of her program, she put what she learned from her studies into practice and won Monett Teacher of the Year.   

Asking for help to become a better teacher  

Throughout Osborne’s teaching career, she learned the importance of asking questions. 

“One of the most challenging aspects when I began teaching was asking for help,” Christy said.  

“Once I got my degree, I thought I should know exactly what I needed to do. I thought that if I asked too many questions, it meant that I was not a good teacher.”  

Osborne started talking with other teachers a few weeks into her first year of teaching and admitted that she felt overwhelmed. She discovered that she was not alone in her struggles.  

“After seeing teachers with years of experience still asking questions, I realized that in order to learn, you must continue to ask questions.”

Osborne’s ability to ask questions and admit when she needs help has allowed her to develop extraordinary teaching skills.   

She uses these teaching skills to help her students thrive in their academic and personal lives.  

“Making a difference in the day-to-day lives of my students is the most rewarding part of being a teacher,” Osborne said. 

“But to say that teaching is rewarding is not enough. Teaching students to be the best person they can be is the most important task teachers face.”  

As a recipient of the Monett Teacher of the Year award, Osborne has learned how to help students be the best version of themselves.  

Advice for future teachers 

Osborne advises future teachers to stick with their career through the difficult times. She said that teaching will be hard, physically and emotionally, and they will be thoroughly exhausted.  

But the challenges will be worth it. 

“The sparkle in the student’s eye when they overcome a struggle to understand something, the voice of confidence when the quiet student raises a hand to give an insightful answer and the smile on the students’ faces make the difficult parts of teaching seem so unimportant,” Osborn said. 

“These children are the future of our world. We make today better for our students; they make tomorrow better for all of us.”

Explore education programs

Uplifting others through music

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Nothing can break the stride of Missouri State University alumnus Matthew Ketteman, Lee’s Summit’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.  

The Longview Farm Elementary music teacher, Ketteman recently created a back-to-school video for students. To the tune of artist Matthew Wilder’s 1983 hit, “Break My Stride,” Ketteman inspires pupils “to keep on movin’,” despite uncertainty surrounding education in the time of a pandemic.  

“This message has spread across Kansas City and beyond to encourage educators and students who are struggling through their back to school transitions,” Ketteman said. “It’s been wonderful seeing people react to the positive message we collaborated to create — even Governor Parson was uplifted.” 

Terrific teacher

Ketteman learned in July that he was selected to receive Lee’s Summit’s highest honor for teachers, according to the district’s website. He later applied to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the 2021 State Teacher of the Year award. He was selected as one of seven finalists in August.  

Ketteman has since reached out to people and organizations that guided him throughout his career, he said. 

“My hope of reaching out to MSU is to encourage and thank the university for its excellent education and experiences,” Ketteman said. “It allowed me to prepare for this amazing occupation of bringing joy to children through music.”  

A collaborative effort 

Ketteman additionally recognized three MSU alumni who helped create and made appearances in his video. Shawn Harrel is a 2000 music education graduate and a digital media technology instructor for Lee’s Summit. Brandon Johnson is a 2003 music education graduate and the assistant director of bands for Lee’s Summit West High School.  

Ketteman also thanked his wife, Kimberly Ketteman, a 2005 communications graduate. Ketteman said his wife was heavily involved with him in helping found MSU’s a cappella groups, Beartones and A Cub Bella.  

 

Matthew Ketteman and his wife, Kim, during their Missouri State days.
Matthew and Kimberly Ketteman met during their days at Missouri State.

“We have not lived in Springfield since college, but it still feels like home whenever we return to visit,” Ketteman said.  

Ketteman thanked Missouri State for playing a vital part in his career. 

“As educators, we often don’t get to see the fruition of what we do,” he said. “What you do impacts the world. Thank you for being such a large part of mine.” 

A committee held virtual interviews with each Missouri Teacher of the Year finalist Sept. 1, according to the DESE website. The winner, finalists, semifinalists and Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored during an Oct. 15 event. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. 

Award-worthy teaching

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Springfield Public Schools are celebrating the 2020 finalists for the district’s Teacher of the Year award. Missouri State University’s College of Education congratulates nominees Cary Sikes, Michelle Slominsky and Shannon Bossing—all alumni.  

The college caught up with each of them to learn more about their experiences at Missouri State and their years as educators. The Teacher of the Year and other finalists will be recognized at an annual banquet in August by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.  

What grade and subject do you teach?  

Michelle Slominsky: I taught kindergarten my first two years of teaching, moved to first grade for seven years, and have been back with kindergarteners ever since. I teach all core subjects at Sequiota Elementary School.   

Shannon Bossing: I currently teach fourth grade at David Harrison Elementary, but I’ve also taught grades one, two and three, as well as K-12 English as a second language, K-12 gifted learners, K-6 computers, and I was an assistant principal for two years. 

Shannon Bossing teaches students via online learning in the time of COVID-19.
Shannon Bossing teaches students via online learning in the time of COVID-19.

During my second year in administration, I was diagnosed and treated for cancer, which led to a re–evaluation of my life, including my career path, and I decided to return to my passion as a classroom teacher. 

I teach all core subjects, though I absolutely love teaching reading and writing. 

Cary Sikes: I teach fourth grade — all four core subjects — at Wanda Gray Elementary.  

When did you graduate from Missouri State University, and how long have you been a teacher?

Slominsky: I first came to Missouri State in 1998 to pursue a degree in early childhood education. I was so lucky to have amazing instructors that helped me achieve this goal in December 2002. 

I met my husband at Missouri State, and we decided to make Springfield our home.  

I returned to the school and completed my master’s in reading in 2007. Spring 2018, I completed my specialist in education, teacher leadership degree at — you guessed it — Missouri State University. I love MSU! I have taught in and around Springfield for 17 years. 

Bossing: I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in education in December of 1994. After earning my first master’s degree from Drury in 1998, I returned to MSU for my second master’s degree and graduated in 2010. I’m finishing my 24th year in education. 

Sikes: I graduated in May 1993. I’ve taught for 27 years. 

What did you enjoy most during your time at Missouri State?

Slominky: While meeting my husband is the highlight of my undergraduate time at Missouri State, I can honestly say that I had such a positive experience in all my courses.  

I was able to do lots of observations at Greenwood Laboratory School, and I spent a lot of time working at the University Childcare Center in my free time.  

I was a University Ambassador and enjoyed giving tours to prospective students and their families. I was also involved in Greek Life, serving as the membership chair for Delta Zeta.   

Bossing: I really enjoyed my children’s literature class. I am not a fan of the fantasy genre, but my professor assigned “A Wrinkle in Time,” and I fell in love with that book. I also enjoyed my methods classes.  

Sikes: Making lifelong friends and the educational experiences that prepared me to be a teacher. 

Why did you choose to be a teacher?

Slominsky: I truly believe that teaching is my calling in life. I was so lucky to have amazing teachers in elementary school. While other kids would run to play outside at recess, I would beg my teachers to let me stay inside and do ‘teacher work.’  

My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Grieves, really stands out in my mind. She took the time to get to know me and was there during a difficult time in my life. It was then that I realized teaching was so much more than academics.  

Teachers made a difference in my life, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to pay it forward someday. 

Bossing: I came home from kindergarten and told my mom I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. It’s really the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, except for when I wanted to be a fighter pilot after the release of “Top Gun.” I can’t imagine doing anything else! 

Sikes: I wanted to work with kids, and I wanted to make a difference. Teachers were so important to me, especially my elementary teachers. I saw what they did for me and I wanted to do the same for others. 

Are there any unique ways Missouri State helped you prepare for your career?

Slominksy: I had the opportunity to participate in one of the first student teaching academies in Ozark. It was beneficial, because I got a much deeper understanding of how students change and grow and how a school operates.  

In my educational specialist program, I was provided rigorous, thought-provoking material that changed how I view education. Instead of sitting and learning about how to teach a certain concept, we had deep discussions about why we teach the concepts that we do.  

Bossing: For my master’s degree, I was part of a cohort through MSU and Springfield Public Schools, and that was an amazing experience. I loved how the seated classes were directly connected to our district. I was in a cohort with about 10 people, and we became very close. 

Sikes: I had some great professors and peers that made me the teacher I am today. 

What are some of your favorite memories as a teacher?

Slominksy: There are so many amazing moments as a teacher. I think the best moment as a teacher is when you can see that your students really know that you love them.  

Michelle Slominsky's class gathers in a circle on the floor of her classroom.
Michelle Slominsky’s class gathers in a circle on the floor of her classroom.

I’ve had students come in at the start of the year reluctant to receive love. They don’t want a hug and they look away when you smile at them. Seeing a child go from that type of behavior to walking in the door with a big smile on their face, and wrapping their arms around you for a hug, is a priceless reward.  

Bossing: One of my all-time favorite memories happened at the reading table in my fourth-grade classroom.  I was discussing a chapter book with a group and one student described a character as “diabolical.” I was so surprised a fourth-grader used such a word that I started laughing and couldn’t stop! We laughed until we cried!  

Years later, I saw that student working at a restaurant. He looked at me, said the word again, and we were both transported instantly to that time at the reading table. It’s a memory neither of us will ever forget! 

Sikes: It’s great to see students from years ago come back and see the path they have taken in their lives. A few years ago, I was in the hospital, and two former students were my nurses and took great care of me. It was amazing to watch.  

With my current students, I love seeing how much they grow from the beginning of the year to the end. When you spend a year with a student, you grow close and are vested in them for years to come. 

What are you most proud of during your time as a teacher? 

Slominsky: I think I am most proud of the strong relationships I build with students and their families. My classroom is truly my school family.   

Bossing: Being a finalist for Teacher of the Year is quite an honor and will always be a favorite memory.  It’s a privilege to be honored for doing something I love.  

Additionally, it’s the moments when there are tears over a sad part in a book, or a student finally gets a concept, or when I sit with teammates on the last day of school and we sigh from exhaustion — but we know we did our best for that group of kids. That’s what makes me proud of being a teacher. 

Sikes: I am proud of the relationships I develop with my students.