Molli Wellman, Immaculate Conception Elementary
Position: Kindergarten
Years Teaching: 10
Hobbies: I love to read, dance - I choreograph, and take adult classes and perform ;), paddle board, bike, craft, and spend time with my family and friends.
What do you enjoy most about teaching? My favorite thing about teaching is the connection to my students and families. I love getting to know these tiny people and seeing them grow, learn, have lightbulb moments, and become such amazing humans!
What do you find most challenging about teaching? In this season of life, I have found it challenging to teach kids that are the same age as my own children. I LOVE kindergarten and would not trade it for the world, but going from 5 year old energy all day to 5 year old energy at home has been an interesting adventure that has taken some navigating and extra prayers for patience to get through!
Best tip for new teachers: Find the sparkle in every student. They’re each their own amazing person - every single one. Connect with them, truly get to know them. Then collaborate with their families to make their school experience the best it can be. You can never send too many positive communications and parents will love getting a glimpse into their child’s day. The connections you build with students and families is one of the best things you can do.
Best tip for career teachers: Don't let a hard year of teaching dull your why and your spark! Every year is a fresh start with new faces and new excitement. (I don't feel qualified to give advice to career teachers but this is what I've got!)
Favorite piece of advice for students: CHOOSE YOUR WEATHER! :) Life has hard moments, and it can be a real struggle sometimes. Choosing to look for the silver lining, find the happy hidden side, and see the glass half full will keep things sparkly, even through the hard times.
What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? For my 10 years of teaching, I have watched and celebrated as teachers who have perfected their profession get awarded this honor. To think that I am walking the same path as them, it truly is surreal to me. I hope to give the same inspiration to teachers that come after me filling out the application for this award. I wouldn't be here without my amazing family, students, and the Bosco Community that has supported, uplifted, and built me as a teacher!