The Inside Scoop on Your Teachers, As Told by Your Teachers
By Chesed F.
Teachers Desk by Getty Images (FotoFabbrica) Created in Canva
My finger hovered over the Submit Work button on my laptop, hesitation freezing my hand. It was the first time I would ever submit an assignment to a NorthStar teacher, one I had never met at that, on my first day of online school. I took a deep breath and clicked, immediately checking the activity stream to see if I had gotten a response. A few minutes later, the feedback was updated. The teacher had left an encouraging grade, and a welcoming recording, calming my frantic nerves. For online students, it can be seemingly impossible to know teachers. However, a few of the incredible staff at NorthStar agreed to be interviewed to give students a better glimpse of what it means to be an educator.
Jason Harvel is an IT Support Technician, and teaches Wisdom Literature at NorthStar. He currently teaches mostly at the high school level. Cathy Cornelison is an affiliate liaison, and teaches elementary level Language Arts at NorthStar. Lindsay Hays teaches Math 7, and offers Curriculum Support at NorthStar. Kristi Valesquez teaches high school courses Theology in Real Life (BIBL200) and Pre Professional Portfolio (PPP100). April Meyer teaches high school English classes ENGL100, ENGL150, ENGF100, JRNL270, NAVI280. Tricia Chatnicki teaches Pre-Algebra for Middle Schoolers at NorthStar. Nancy Nolin teaches EVP Biology/Honors Biology, EVP Chemistry/Honors Chemistry, VRP Honors Biology, and Music Appreciation for high schoolers at NorthStar.
Tell me about your first day as a teacher.
Krisiti Velasquez: “I returned and taught at the public high school I had graduated from. My previous teachers welcomed and hugged me on my first day, which was terrific. I had been their student, but now I was their peer. My first teaching job wasn't in language arts; it was a special program I didn't even know existed at my school as a student. My classroom was at the back campus, away from students, between the dumpsters and woodshop. It was a room filled with old computers and 25 kids about to drop out of high school if something didn't change fast. Some were over 18. One was 14 and pregnant. It was my job to rehabilitate their grades so they could graduate. They stayed with me all day rather than changing classes by subject when the bells rang. We even ate lunch together. It was the district's first drop-out prevention program. So, I wasn't teaching language arts; I was teaching all the subjects in a format I had never used as a student. I was 25. It was the perfect job for me. We started a book club, went to the movies, cut our own classroom Christmas tree, had a bring-your-pet-to-school day, and showcased special talents (parking lot jam session with a garage band, anyone?) I convinced the new principal to let us go on field trips, several of which he personally funded because he believed in the good he was seeing. He had an empowered hope that trickled down to me. And he was right, there was much to celebrate and be hopeful for in that program: That girl who was pregnant? I taught her how to drive. Even though everyone in her family was addicted, she graduated, went to college, and became a rehab nurse. Her baby girl just turned 18 and graduated from high school, too. It was the best hard job I've ever had, but I don't think I could have done it without Jesus, or without a principal who put his money where his mouth was. After the first year, the head of the English department asked me if I wanted to join her department, and I turned her down. Why would I want to teach grammar and grade essays when I could throw baby showers and cheer my face off for teens doing incredible things against all odds?”
What made you want to become a teacher? Was there any specific moment that you knew teaching was what you wanted to do?
Cathy Cornelison: “When I was in Kindergarten, I loved school and my teacher. I think this is what began my love of education. One of my favorite pastimes, when I was little, was pretending I was the teacher to my MANY stuffed animals. I loved teaching them what I was learning in school. In 3rd grade, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. It was very hard for me to read and remember what I was reading. I also had a lot of trouble with spelling and recognizing the sounds of letters. God put amazing teachers in my life who taught me strategies to use as I read. As I grew to love reading, I knew that God was calling me to teach children how to read and the love of reading. When I look at my jobs over the past 40 years, God called me to teach children as a nanny, preschool teacher, elementary teacher, girl's youth ministry director, and school librarian. It has been such a blessing in my life.”
What has been your proudest moment as a teacher?
Jason Harvel: “Once in China I was teaching an Old Testament survey to 8th grade students. I don’t even remember what the lesson was about and one of the boys in the room said “Stop!” (I stopped) He said: “Are you saying that Jesus is also GOD!?!?” (I nodded my head) He thinks about this for a second and basically yells out “THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!”. I had to agree.”
April Meyer: “Teaching English to a student who was living in a refugee camp. Later, when her family moved to another country, she was able to provide for her family because she spoke English well enough to get a job.”
What do teachers need most right now from their students?
Kristi Velasquez: “Authentic thinking and eye contact. We are so bored with fakes. Be brave. Be you. Ask a provoking question I haven't answered a gazillion times. Change the script in discussion boards so you are more than an echo.”
If you had one piece of advice to offer students of all ages, what would it be?
Nancy Nolin: “As Jesus reminded His disciples in Matthew 6:33-24, to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34) I know that can be difficult at times. However, we have a promise that as we are seeking after His best will for our lives, He will take care of us.”
Tricia Chatnicki: “Examine yourself and make sure you are being the best YOU. Don't compare yourself to others. God has given each of us unique talents and abilities. We only get discouraged when we compare. Instead, talk to God about how He can use you to make an impact in the world.”
April Meyer: “Strive to do your best, and know that one's best looks different for each person.”
Due to the volume of incredible responses received from all the staff, we were unable to fit all the answers and questions into this edition of the Navigator. However, if you would like to read further, this is the link to the document of all the questions and answers.
Columns: 👤NSA People 🗣️Advice
Chesed F. lives in Colorado with her mom, sister, and golden retriever named Khusi. She is sixteen years old and has been a student at NorthStar for two years. Chesed has been dancing for eight years, with a specific focus on ballet. As well as being on the Navigator staff, Chesed is a member of National Honors Society and spends her free time volunteering to help underprivileged children with literacy. She hopes to pursue a career in law and hopes to always incorporate the beauty of writing and words into her daily life.