Home Grown Talent
As part of the BSSD’s Grow Your Own Teachers Program, two educators are returning as teachers in the district they attended as students.
Maddy Johnson and Quinn Wyly are first-year teachers starting their academic journeys – Johnson as an English teacher at Blue Springs High School and Wyly as a second grade teacher at Cordill-Mason Elementary.
Starting in 2017-2018, the GYOT program assists the district with recruiting and retaining its students as future educators. GYOT recipients receive a $20,000 collegiate loan that is forgiven once they teach at BSSD for four years. The GYOT Program is funded by the Blue Springs Education Foundation.
Johnson and Wyly answered some questions about their journey in the Grow Your Own Teachers Program, and their first semester of being in their own classrooms.
Quinn Wyly – BSSHS Class of 2022
How did the Grow Your Own Teachers program help prepare you for your first year of teaching?
Because of the Grow Your Own Teachers process, I had ample amount of experience in the classroom along with the experience I got during student teaching through college. The Grow Your Own Teachers process allowed me to get experience in the Blue Springs School District before I was hired as a teacher, which allowed me to see the teaching side of BSSD before stepping into the classroom by myself.
What are some success stories you’ve already had in your short time teaching?
Building connections with my students has been such an amazing experience to have in this short time of teaching. Getting to know each one of my students and seeing them start to build connections with each other has been amazing. Also, witnessing my students’ confidence grow as they enter 2nd grade is so nice to see and that each day, they are trying their best and putting their best effort into everything they do.
Is there a connection with a student or coworker this year that has really surprised you?
During student teaching I taught at CME, where I now work, and I had one student who challenged me during my time in his classroom. When I told my kids that I was working at the school the following year, he was one of the first students who got excited about me staying at the school. At the beginning of this school year, this student told me that they missed me and wished that I was close to their new classroom so they could see me every day. Just hearing that from a student who I invested so much time into felt so good to know I made a positive impact.
Maddy Johnson – BSHS Class of 2023
How did the Grow Your Own Teachers program help prepare you for your first year of teaching?
The Grow Your Own Teachers program has played a pivotal role in preparing me for my first year of teaching. I have felt truly supported by the connections I have formed within the district, and the teacher panels we talked with during many GYOT meetings have provided valuable insights and validation for many different classroom experiences.
Who are some mentors/fellow teachers who you have relied on this year?
This year, I have relied heavily on my colleagues within the English department, particularly Tara Edwards, Diane Erickson, and Jana Hilgedick. Their kindness and willingness to answer any question—and offer advice—has made such a difference in my first few weeks.
How have your students made being a first year teacher easier?
My students have shown me kindness beyond measure, and I couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience. It’s been a bonus to teach at BSHS where I student-taught, allowing me to reconnect with former students who now visit my classroom, leave encouraging notes, or even just come to say good morning!
Has there been a connection with a student or coworker this year that has really surprised you?
The cohort of first-year teachers at Blue Springs High School has been amazing. We’ve developed such strong bonds and lean on each other for support, advice, and have become friends over this past month. I’m truly grateful for this unexpected but invaluable connection we’ve built.