Kassidy Crenshaw

Henry County
Eminence Independent Elementary School

I knew that I wanted to be a teacher in middle school. I always enjoyed school, but I had several friends who didn’t. I wanted to connect with students like them. For this reason, I try to ensure that my classroom is a fun and safe space for all students. Over the last few years, I made a goal to attend students’ events outside of school. I have gone to wrestling matches, plays, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and football games. I continue to teach for the moments when I get to see students’ self-confidence flourish. There is nothing better than seeing a struggling reader volunteer to read to the class or explain their thinking on a math problem. Together, as a class, we celebrate accomplishments and connect through common struggles. This practice has truly transformed my classroom community.