Hard working, capable, dedicated–three words used to describe Cook County School District I.S.D. 166 middle school Math Teacher Melissa Steele, who is in the running for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. At the end of this month Steele will learn if she is a semifinalist for the award, which will be presented at a banquet in May in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Although she hasn’t lived in the county very long, Cook County Schools middle school mathematics teacher Melissa Steele has made a big impact on her students, and for her efforts she has been nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Steele came to Cook County through a circuitous route. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University where she completed her undergraduate degree. Upon graduating she moved to Savannah, Georgia, where she began a master’s degree program at Armstrong University and worked as a nanny for two little girls, and then taught math and English at a small school in Georgia. She met her husband, Kurt Steele in Georgia, and the couple moved to Cook County when Kurt accepted the district ranger job with the U.S. Forest Service in Tofte.
Melissa took time out from her day to answer a few questions, a Q&A on the motivations and inspirations that led her to become a teacher. . When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
I have always wanted to be a teacher. In elementary school, I played “teacher” in the basement of our house using stuffed animals as students. Throughout high school, I kept a teacher folder and inside were notes about things I disliked and liked about my teachers. I never had to second-guess what I wanted to be. I am truly living out a dream. . Did you have any mentors? Someone you looked up to when you were in school?
My 3rd and 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Compton, were huge inspirations. They made me feel loved and smart. They also had high expectations for me and the class. They made school enjoyable. . What is your favorite part of teaching?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite. The absolute best feeling is when a student finally understands something, looks right at me, smiles, and says, “Ohhh, I get it!” That happened today when we were multiplying fractions using the method of cross-canceling. It’s an indescribable feeling when a student tells me they never understood or liked math before taking my class.
Also, I love that every day is a new day. There is never a dull moment in middle school. They say some of the funniest things. Just the other day, the directions for a math exercise were to “break down to prime #s” and a student blurted out, “What is prime hashtag?” Seriously, I couldn’t stop laughing.
My last favorite part about teaching is my colleagues. I work with some of the most amazing educators. Our middle school team is rock solid. I wouldn’t be the teacher I am without the support of my co-workers.
. How many years have you taught? And where have you taught?
I am in my fifth year of teaching. I taught two years in Monticello, Georgia, and this is my third year in Cook County. . How does the Minnesota Teacher of the Year nomination process work?
There are 114 Minnesota teachers who are nominated. At the end of this month, they will select 30 semifinalists. Those semifinalists will have to complete a video and then some time at the end of March they will select 10 finalists. Those 10 finalists will have interviews with committee members and the winner will be picked in May during a banquet in Bloomington, Minnesota. . Your husband works in Tofte and he coaches junior high football. Is he supportive of all of the hours it takes to teach and correct papers?
Kurt is very supportive. He is my biggest fan and supporter. He loves the students too. He has coached middle school football for two years. It’s fun to hear what the boys have to say about Coach Steele. . Last but not least, how long are your teaching days? What time do you get up and what time do you finish your work?
I have never left work and been completely done. Not even in the summer. During the summer, I research and read about new methods and approaches to teaching. I reflect upon the previous year and make changes to my curriculum. I arrive at work at 7:45 a.m. and leave by 5:20 p.m. because daycare closes at 5:30 p.m. Having a child makes me leave earlier than I would like, but it also helps me maintain a balance between work and life. It has taken me five years to learn that taking care of myself will directly benefit my effectiveness as a teacher.
Cook County has had one Minnesota Teacher of the Year winner. In 1976 Andrea Peterson, who taught at the Grand Portage Elementary School, won the state’s highest award and was a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award.
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