Kelly Goudreau: A Teacher's Passion for First Grade and Making Lifelong Impressions

In this episode of the Hornet Hive Podcast podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Kelly Goudreau, a dedicated 1st grade teacher at Discovery Elementary in Williamston Community Schools. Kelly shares her heartwarming journey as an educator and reflects on the impactful experiences she has had with her students. Her story is a testament to the profound connections teachers can form with their students and the lasting influence they can have on young minds.

Finding Her Place in Williamston:

Kelly's decision to join Williamston Community Schools was fueled by her desire to create a nurturing and wholesome environment for her own family. Having grown up in a small town, she sought a similar sense of community for her children. When she volunteered at the school, she was deeply impressed by the supportive staff and the positive atmosphere. This experience solidified her belief that Williamston was the perfect place for her to continue her teaching career.

The Return to Teaching:

After a period of being a stay-at-home mom, Kelly's journey back into the classroom was met with enthusiasm and determination. Starting as a guest teacher, she swiftly rekindled her passion for teaching. Embracing the changes in the education landscape, she eagerly pursued professional development opportunities, highlighting her dedication to providing her students with the best learning experience.

Sustaining Passion and Connection:

One of the key elements that have sustained Kelly throughout her years in the district is the sense of community and support among the staff. She emphasizes that her motivation is not driven by monetary gains but by her unyielding passion for teaching and the genuine connection she shares with her students. It is evident that the nurturing environment and the camaraderie among the faculty have played a significant role in her continued dedication to Williamston Community Schools.

The Charms of First Grade:

 preference for teaching first graders stems from her reveling in their unique blend of innocence, curiosity, and emerging independence. She cherishes the tender dynamics of this age group, capitalizing on their eagerness to learn and their budding autonomy. Her seamless transition into teaching first grade showcases her adaptability and commitment to providing an enriching educational experience for her young students.

Impactful Moments:

Kelly fondly recalls heartwarming instances where former students recognize and approach her in public settings, expressing their fondness and gratitude for the bonds they forged. These moments affirm the enduring influence and meaningful connections teachers can cultivate with their students. It is a poignant reminder of the profound impact teachers have on the lives of their students, extending far beyond the classroom and into their future endeavors.

The Educator's Legacy:

As Dr. Lewis and Kelly reflect on the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the lives of young individuals, it becomes evident that the journey of an educator is marked by the countless lives they touch. Kelly's commitment to nurturing and guiding her students highlights the profound influence educators can have in instilling a love for learning and empowering the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

Kelly's narrative embodies the profound impact that teachers can have on their students. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment underscores the transformative power of educators. As we celebrate the educators who work tirelessly to inspire, encourage, and mold young minds, let us recognize and appreciate the enduring influence they have on shaping the future of our communities.

In this insightful conversation with Kelly Goudreau, we have gained valuable insights into the passion and dedication of educators within the Williamston Community Schools. As we commend the exemplary contributions of teachers like Kelly, we are reminded of the essential role they play in shaping the fabric of our society through their unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:19]:
Welcome back to the Hornet Hive. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, one of the members of the Williamston Community Schools Board of Education. Really excited to have you back again this week. You know, every week, I love being able to talk with you to bring forward great things that are happening in our schools because there are so many amazing things that are happening within the Williamston Community Schools. And it's important that you know about it, whether your kids are experiencing it right now or not. You just should feel really proud of the great things that are happening, the great people we have in our schools, the great experiences that our kids are able to get both inside and outside the classroom. And that's why I love doing this. That's why I love talking to you every week because I think there are so many stories and so many people that just make our community and our schools a amazing place.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:14]:
As you probably know, I have been trying to introduce you to lots of different people from within the way you see community schools so that you get to know who's working with our kids in many different ways, whether your kids have had them as teachers or not or have worked with them as staff. It's still important because so many people are doing, as I said before, so many great things to be able to make our schools unique, make our schools distinct, and provide a high quality education for our kids. Today, we got another great guest with us. Kelly Goudreau is with us today. And Kelly is a 1st grade teacher in Discovery Elementary and has Been with the district for a number of years, and I'm really looking forward to talking with her and learning more about her own experience. Kelly, thanks so much for being here today.

Kelly Goudreau [00:02:01]:
Thank you for having me. What a pleasure.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:03]:
It's my pleasure having you here today. And, you know, first and foremost, one of the things that I love doing is turning the clock back in time. And I would love to have you tell us the story of what brought you to Williamston.

Kelly Goudreau [00:02:15]:
When my husband and I were having our first child, we moved from Minnesota where he had completed his medical residency at Mayo Clinic, and we were feverishly looking for a place to live. And we settled in Holt, and I knew right away that this was gonna be a temporary house where we could pay off student loans and then move to our forever house. And so I grew up in a small town, and my husband also grew up in a small school district. And we wanted the same small town, good, wholesome, you walk by and you know who that person is kind of feeling. And we found that in Williamston. And I knew right away, as soon as I looked at the schools, that this was the place for me. And I was a teacher before I had children, and, I was looking for certain things. Okemos was scary to me because it was so large, and we settled with Williamston Schools.

Kelly Goudreau [00:03:21]:
And before I got a job, I was in the school volunteering while my kids were there. So it was like role reversal, but in a good way. I got to see firsthand the incredible teachers and parapros and principals and you name it. The staff, amazing. And everybody was so nice and polite and thankful for my time volunteering. And I, in turn, learned a few things that, maybe I will go back to work after my kids are back in school, and I did.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:58]:
So tell me about that transition. You went from being a teacher to being at home to then volunteering, to then deciding to come back into the classroom after a number of years. And I guess you could say that I've talked to other teachers that have taken breaks, and then they come back. And it's kinda dusting off the old habits. But talk to me about that transition back into classroom for you.

Kelly Goudreau [00:04:19]:
I'll never forget when I decided, you know what? It might be time. My daughter was in kindergarten, and I was sitting in the hallway. And one of the teachers came up to me and said, why are you volunteering? Why don't you come back and be a a guest teacher? And it never even dawned on me. So I did do that for, I think, 2 years, and I was pretty popular. And it wasn't long at all, and I was scooped up in a long term teaching assignment and then another long term teaching assignment. And I was busy every day, all day long. And so that got me excited to be back in the classroom, and I I had a license. I needed to pay the money and take some classes.

Kelly Goudreau [00:05:11]:
And I did that excitedly and was eager to learn all the things that I had not used at my time at home. I mean, I I had some things to learn, and I did. And I was very vocal about whatever I didn't know, learning and trying my best. And so I interviewed for a job, and at first, I didn't get it, and I was depressed. Oh, oh, my volunteering for nothing. Oh, my guest teaching. They know I'm a good teacher, but I did end up getting that job. It was just a little later than I planned, and I have not regretted one minute.

Kelly Goudreau [00:05:53]:
I love it. I love being back in the classroom.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:57]:
You've been back in the classroom for a number of years, and you've stayed with the Williamson Community Schools. What sustained you over the years in our district? And for you, what makes Williamston a great place to work?

Kelly Goudreau [00:06:10]:
We have the kindest employees and just it feels like a friendly, safe place to be. The principal, amazing, supportive other teachers that you can feel free to speak with and feel supported. That's that is how that that's number 1. And, you know, I don't do this for the money. I do this because I am passionate about teaching. I love being with the kids. Small people, young people are my kind of people. They're funny and smart and just eager to learn, and I'm eager to teach them.

Kelly Goudreau [00:06:52]:
That's what keeps me there, the children and the supportive staff that I I work with. I'm proud I'm proud to work with Williamson Schools.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:07:01]:
I mentioned that you're a 1st grade teacher, and you said you you like those little ones. But tell me about what it is about those young first graders that you love so much and why first grade was the right fit for you?

Kelly Goudreau [00:07:14]:
When I first returned, I was teaching kindergarten, and I loved that also. But in kindergarten, it was very tiring for me. And when I was offered the 1st grade position, that's what I thought before I was a stay at home mom and it had changed quite a bit. But the thing that didn't change was the age range of the children. They're young, but they're a little bit older and a little bit more independent, able to do things for themselves. And some of them need a little bit of encouragement to be that independent self that they can be. I just I really enjoy the age group. They're still sweethearts, still eager to learn, yet a little bit more independent, which I enjoy.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:08:02]:
Now every teacher that I talk to is a storyteller. There are so many stories that you have from year to year from day to day, probably from hour to hour and minute to minute. And those stories definitely sustain you as a teacher and they push you forward. Sometimes they they pull at their heartstrings, but there are definite things that you take with you in those years that you were in the classroom. Can you share a story with me that for you truly epitomizes the experience that you've had as a Williamston staff member?

Kelly Goudreau [00:08:35]:
That's a difficult question for me. I will tell you a couple things. One thing that is still a little bit strange for me to get used to is whenever I'm out in public or I'm at the football game or somewhere like that, I feel like a celebrity because all of the kids come running. Missus Goodrow. Missus Goodrow. And for me, even the the older kids, when they still come and find me and want to talk with me and spend time with me or give me a hug. It's like recognition of the fact that I made a relationship with those kids. I they know that I cared about them, and they know that I always will be remembering them and the special bond that we share as teacher and student.

Kelly Goudreau [00:09:30]:
For me, that makes everything worthwhile. I had a little girl on Friday at the football game come to me, and she goes, I saw your curly hair, and I just knew it was you. And she came running over me. It was so sweet. And she's a 4th grader.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:09:50]:
And I can attest that, you know, there are definite teachers that kids do connect with. And they will, you know, always see those teachers as their favorite teachers, the ones that they always want to go back and see whether it's in elementary school, or men in middle school, or in high school, that, you know, they're still teachers do have such a important role, not only in our society, but in the lives of our kids. And our kids do connect, and they do connect and make those bonds. Especially when the teachers make bonds and develop those unique relationships with the kids too. It doesn't always happen, but in many times it does. And so it's heartwarming to hear those stories where, as you said, you go out in public and the kids come up to you and, you know, and they're running up to you and they wanted to tell you about, oh my gosh, I'm in middle school now. Or I'm doing this or I just went to 5th grade camp and it was so cool. And, you know, you're kind of living vicariously as they grow older.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:10:50]:
So it is a lot of fun when you see that.

Kelly Goudreau [00:10:53]:
Yes. It is. Very rewarding. Actually, as they enter college and start being successful individuals.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:11:03]:
Okay. I just wanna say thank you. Thank you for all that you do to engage our kids, to push our kids, to help our youngest, to get that solid start in their education. And I wish you all the best.

Kelly Goudreau [00:11:16]:
Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate your time with me.