Kaley Schnack

I remember wanting to be a teacher as early as kindergarten. The school I attended growing up was a special place. The teachers provided a sense of community and a strong support system for everything we did, and I idolized my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Harris, for her sweet spirit and love of learning. I still keep in touch with her through social media, and she will occasionally upload a sweet memory from our kindergarten years for us to all reminisce.

In high school I knew that I wanted to work with kids, so I was able to take a human development course that focused on early childhood education. I also had the opportunity at my school to be a teacher’s assistant and worked in the elementary school. The position allowed me to shadow the teacher, help them prep materials and develop relationships with the students.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in leadership studies from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, my first teaching job was as an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher. I quickly learned about how to support young students in their education, and after five years of working in special education, I was even able to get several thousand dollars of student loan debt forgiven.

While teaching, I got my master’s in special education at Wichita State University and earned certifications at Fort Hays State University in teaching birth to 12th grade and building administration. I taught in special education at the elementary level for seven years before switching to general education.

Today, as a Title 1 teacher, I work with small groups of students throughout the day and focus on the missing pieces of each student’s reading, from comprehension to fluency and everything in between. The thing I love most about my job is watching students grow through the year. I get so excited to see where they started and encourage them to see where they can go.

My best advice for aspiring teachers is to go and find experience wherever you can get it! You can work at summer camps or volunteer at local children’s events. As in any career you’re interested in, find a way to shadow that profession. If that’s teaching, get involved with the school district as a teacher assistant or para. Schools always need help, so check in with your local district.

Kaley Schnack teaches 2nd through 5th grade reading and math in Russell, Kansas. She is a 2023-2024 Dane G. Hansen Foundation HirePaths Teacher Ambassador.