Rockwood School District welcomed 123 new teachers to its staff during New Teacher Orientation at Lafayette High on Aug. 11, 12 and 15.
Our newest educators met with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain, members of central office staff and departmental administrators, participated in activities and received valuable tools and information for supporting students.
In a welcome message to all new teachers, Dr. Cain said, “Always remember, the work that we engage in embodies a sacred trust that families have placed in our hands. I look forward to working with you this year to create memorable and meaningful learning experiences for each of our students.”
Daniel Money and Kaylee Schriever were among the new teachers in attendance.
Money will teach chemistry and physical science at Rockwood Summit High, and Schriever will teach fourth grade at Wild Horse Elementary. Both are no strangers to Rockwood as they are returning to the place where it all started.
Schriever attended Woerther Elementary, Selvidge Middle and graduated from Marquette High. During her senior year of high school, Schriever had the opportunity to do community service, tutoring and cadet teaching at Westridge Elementary. She also served as a substitute teacher at 12 of the 19 elementary schools in Rockwood. Last fall, Schriever completed her student teaching at Bowles Elementary. Then, she held two long-term substitute teaching roles between Ballwin Elementary and Bowles.
“I definitely think my time in Rockwood, both as a student and educator, has prepared me for my first year of teaching,” Schriever said. “Growing up I had many teachers who inspired me to want to become an educator. I want to inspire my students to follow their dreams the same way my teachers inspired me.”
Now, she is excited to learn and grow alongside her own students as she navigates this first year.
“I want to give my students every opportunity to connect their learning to their world and facilitate conversations that expand their thinking,” Schriever said. “I plan to give them daily opportunities to share their voice and have a choice in their learning.”
For Money, it hasn't been that long since he walked the halls at Rockwood Summit as a student. Rockwood Director of Learning Development Dr. Renee Trotier was Money's principal.
“Calling my old teachers by their first name is certainly a big change,” Money shared. “Luckily, I've been able to sub in the building the past few semesters, so the transition has been pretty smooth. Seeing Dr. Trotier again is wonderful, and she has helped me acclimate to my new position and grow professionally in my new career.”
Like Schriever, Money wants to have a strong focus on building relationships with his students.
“I love the content and learning in general, but being there for the kids and forming those bonds is what has me more excited than anything else,” he said.
Trotier, Dawnette Wiskur and Kim Caudill from the Professional Learning Department organized the three-day event.
“Our professional development sessions have provided mountains of information, and it definitely helps me feel ready to start the school year,” Money said.
Schriever concurred.
“I think it's very admirable that Rockwood educates new teachers on all of the ins and outs of teaching in the district and provides us with so many resources and contacts to support us throughout the year,” Schriever said. “Over the past three days, I've learned about curriculum, technology and assessment, and I look forward to learning more over the next few days.”
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