Connor MacKelvey

Where are you teaching? What subjects and grades?
Through my studies at Slippery Rock University’s College of Education, I have landed my ULTIMATE DREAM JOB and am currently teaching fifth grade at All Saints Cathedral School—a private, college preparatory school in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. All Saints Cathedral School is a small, Episcopal School, with 206 students in grades Junior Kindergarten-Twelfth Grade. It is a school with a very diverse student body, deeply rooted in the community with a connected, family atmosphere.

With twenty-two diverse students in my fifth grade classroom (Caribbean American, Eastern Indian, Filipino, French and Hispanic), I teach all subjects, which consists of: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Reading, Science, Social Studies (Geography), Spelling, Virgin Islands History, and Writing. I am also coaching Cross Country for the Elementary, Middle, and High School and have established the school’s first Track and Field team for all grade levels. Finally, I am also the teacher representative for the Parent Teacher Student Association.
 
What advice would you give to current students who are enrolled in the teacher preparation program?
My advice that I would give to current students within the College of Education’s teacher preparation program would be to take advantage of the extraordinary, educational travel opportunities offered at Slippery Rock University. Without the phenomenal opportunity to student teach at Scoil Mhuire Ballyboden in Dublin, Ireland with Dr. Lehman during the Fall of 2015, or volunteer and travel to Sydney, Australia with Dr. Snyder during the Summer of 2016, I know for a fact I would not be where I am today. With so many opportunities to explore diverse education systems, take advantage in student teaching in Mexico City, Mexico, or Dublin, Ireland. Grow in the profession by travelling to Sweden with Dr. Zane or Italy with Dr. Amodei over Spring Break to become exposed and learn of other educational systems besides that of the United States. As an educator, you can never stop learning (or exploring!).

What is one positive experience that you have had with a student?
As a professional educator for under a year now, I have witnessed a plethora of positive experiences with my students; observed not only in my classroom, but throughout my entire school. One positive experience, however, stands out above the rest and has had a major impact on my career thus far. What I absolutely love about the profession is that you are more than just an educator; you are an advocate, asset, and mentor to your students. An educator wears so many hats. I am the first male teacher my students have ever had, and I had one student write a letter wishing that I could be their father. Receiving the letter, I was speechless and knew the student was serious.

I am a role model for the social and emotional development of my students. When my students enter my classroom at 7:45am in the morning and leave at 3:00pm in the afternoon, I can assure you that each and every one of them is loved. I treat each and every one of my students as if they were my own children—treating them with compassion, kindness, and respect. If you positively influence your students, they will positively influence you.


What makes a great teacher?
As a first-year educator, I find that in order to become a great teacher, we must learn from our students. I love being challenged in the profession when my students do not understand a concept. I must revisit how the lesson was taught and learn from my student’s mistakes. Not all students learn the same way, and it is my job to make sure that each and every one of my students reach their highest academic potential. I also find that the work clock does not begin at 7:45am and end at 3:00pm; great teachers go the extra mile to support their students through academic tutoring, extracurricular activities, and family functions. The Virgin Islands have truly opened their arms to me, where I have been invited to student birthday parties, student athletic events, and even Thanksgiving Dinners at student’s homes. Take the time to build relationships with family members and show that you truly care about their student's success. 

Finally, a great teacher enjoys waking up every morning to head to work, knowing they are going to make a positive impact in the lives of our youth. If you choose a profession that you are ecstatic about, you will never have to work a single day in your life. I have found my passion and am living the dream. Follow your aspirations, because anything is possible when you put your heart and mind to it.