TEACHER MRS. KELLY MASSA feature

Second Grade Woodlake Elementary Teacher

Who, specifically, in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?

Growing up, my little brother had ADHD and Dysgraphia which caused him to struggle a lot in school. I spent a lot of my time helping him get by, working with him one on one in the library, and making sure he wasn’t just passed along in the system. I vowed then that I would help all different kinds of children, and I have stayed true to that commitment for the past 8 years.

What do you feel is the biggest reward?

The biggest reward in teaching is making connections with your students. Sometimes it’s the ah-ha moments in class. Other times it’s the extra hugs a student gives you, or a sweet note telling you that your kindness matters and that they are thankful for a teacher like you. Teachers certainly aren’t in the profession for the money, and I would say for me, it is because I genuinely love helping children learn and grow.

If you could leave your students with one message, what would it be?

If I could leave my students with one message, it would be to never give up. I struggled with math all through school, and now it is one of my favorite things to teach. As a teacher, I always say progress, not perfection. I hope my students believe in themselves enough to have the confidence to take on anything they set their minds to.

The Professional Women of St. Tammany held it’s monthly luncheon at the beautiful Beau Chene Country Club. This included speed networking for these ladies to make new connections for the organization, lunch, and some raffle items. It was a great way to meet new people and learn about their business.