Kindergarten teachers have a special power—they can shape a child’s relationship with education for a lifetime. If used wisely, the consequences for the child’s learning, self-esteem and outlook on life can be life changing. “I love that I can help kids see school as something positive—that they are good at—and help them feel successful,” says Caitlin McNulty, a kindergarten teacher at Syre Elementary School. McNulty found her way into teaching kindergarteners 11 years ago through Teach for America—an organization which encourages high-achieving recent graduates and professionals to teach, for at least two years, in low-income neighborhoods in the U.S. Although she also coached other teachers for a brief period of time, she eventually returned to teaching because “she just missed students too much.”
When schools in Washington State shifted to remote learning in the spring of 2020, Caitlin, as many other educators and parents that year, was really concerned. The fear that some students with no internet access—or who relied on school for their meals and social interactions—would be missing out was making her feel uneasy. “Kids that age need to be touching things,” says Caitlin. “And some subjects, like writing, are simply hard to teach online.” Although teaching during the pandemic, undoubtedly, takes a lot more intention, McNulty admits that she’s been so impressed with the level of effort and the amazing job that her students, parents and colleagues have displayed. “So much has been asked of parents to be working full time and be full-time teachers at home,” she recognizes. “It’s important for me to build strong relationships between kids and parents to ensure they continue to learn and thrive in the years to come.”
So how does McNulty shape her five- and six-year-olds' experience and keep them engaged from a distance? First of all, she creates a safe and welcoming environment where students know that they matter. In each virtual class, Caitlin displays reinforcing messages to her students to constantly remind them that they are unique, smart and can accomplish great things. At the beginning of the year, McNulty gathered information about each students’ favorite things, such as colors, animals or friends and put them together in two separate books. The first one introduced each student—and their family members—to each other through various photos. The second one helped them learn about what their classmates loved doing outside of school. “This really teaches kids that what they do matters and that people care,” says Caitlin.
Virtual classroom display and picture of Ms. McNulty on her first day of kindergarden - Photo courtesy Caitlin McNulty
Secondly, she simply makes it fun to be in her class. “Kids feed off of positive and silly energy, and they love playing games,” says McNulty. By referring to them as “letter experts” in virtual scavenger hunts, to engaging them in fun science projects, like drawing a frog cycle and sharing it in class, she’s been able to keep her students attentive and involved. For all the love that she surrounds them with every day, the kids have been very generous in their own little way in return. “I’m often rewarded with sweet surprises from my students when I check their work on our digital platform, Seesaw,” she says. From short videos and drawings of her, to charming notes letting her know that they are going to their grandma’s house over the weekend, the students have been keeping Caitlin smiling throughout the year.
Ms. McNulty is a teacher that everyone wishes they had growing up. With her warm personality, positive reinforcement and inclusive nature, every child feels safe and valued in her classroom. During these trying times, she remained optimistic and became an even stronger example for her students—especially when they, too, were worried about the well-being of their own family members and friends because of the pandemic. Although she admits that she would “100% prefer to be with her students in person,” she reminds herself that the situation we are in is “not forever.” She serves as a great reminder to always “be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about (Plato).”
This story was published in January 2021 issue of Richmond Beach Community News