Four years ago, my husband came home from work on a sunny Georgia afternoon and said, “What do you think about living in Minnesota?” Having never been to Minnesota, my first thought was…cold! Within a month, we were headed to the North Shore.
Moving was not hard; leaving Jasper County Middle School was hard. I taught in Monticello, Georgia for two years and fell in love with the school, its students, and the administration. When I broke the news to my principal, I cried and cried and cried. Would I ever find another school as great as Jasper County?
Fast forward a few months. It’s a sunny September morning and I’m anxiously starting my third day of teaching at Cook County Schools. Later that evening my husband Kurt asks how I felt about the school, its staff, and the students. My initial impression was overwhelming—I was nearly speechless. Why were these kids so much smarter? Why were my 6th graders in Cook County doing 8th grade math standards? Why were the teachers always smiling and energized?
#SmallerClassSizes
Smaller classes give teachers an opportunity to challenge students and focus on individualized teaching. Smaller classes lead to deeper, more powerful learning with increased one-on-one attention. Smaller classes mean students don’t get left behind or overlooked. Teachers are able to focus on lessons and develop student relationships instead of managing behaviors and physical spaces.
Georgia was a wonderful place to start my teaching career, but I found my heart in Cook County. I am thankful for what we have: smaller class sizes and a diverse range of courses that include college preparation, vocational training, and fine arts instruction. I am surrounded by a talented staff who challenge and nurture our wonderful students. But we need your help.
Please vote yes for both the school bond and the operating levy this November. Cook County Schools need your support. Smaller classes make stronger schools, and stronger schools make stronger communities. Our kids need skills and learning opportunities so they can compete against the best and the brightest.
For more information on the bond and levy, please visit voteyescommittee.org or email me at msteele@isd166.org.
From the hopeful math
teacher with a southern accent,
Melissa Steele
Grand Marais
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