Spotlight Community Service - MacKenzie Skalski: Teacher of the Year

Updated 1 day ago

In this episode of Spotlight Community Service, host Joseph Patrick Fair interviews MacKenzie Skalski, Michigan’s Elementary Science Teacher of the Year. The conversation highlights her innovative teaching methods, commitment to culturally responsive education, and efforts to strengthen youth mental health, family involvement, and community resilience. Viewers will gain insight into how outstanding educators like MacKenzie transform classrooms into launchpads for future leaders.

Chapters

Introduction to Spotlight Community Service (00:00:00)
Host Joseph Patrick Fair welcomes viewers to Spotlight Community Service. He introduces himself and the show, which focuses on change makers in Kalamazoo County.

Joseph Patrick Fair, the host, opens the show by greeting viewers and introducing the premise of Spotlight Community Service, a program dedicated to highlighting individuals and initiatives making a positive impact in the local community and beyond.
Introducing McKinsey Skalski (00:00:06)
Host introduces McKinsey Skalski, a notable teacher and leader. He highlights her achievements and contributions to education and the community.

Joseph Patrick Fair introduces the guest, McKinsey Skalski, emphasizing her role as a transformative educator. He lists her accolades such as being the Michigan Science Teachers Association Elementary Science Teacher of the Year and describes her as a STEM innovator and compassionate leader redefining education.
McKinsey's Background and Credentials (00:01:08)
McKinsey Skalski shares her educational background and journey, highlighting her achievements and the path that led her to become a teacher.

McKinsey Skalski talks about her educational journey, including graduating from high school and college, and earning a master's degree in STEM education. She reflects on her local roots and how her academic and professional experiences have shaped her career as a teacher.
The Spark for Teaching (00:02:00)
McKinsey describes her early inspiration to become a teacher, influenced by her first-grade teacher and family background.

McKinsey recounts the moment she realized teaching was her calling, starting from her experiences in first grade with her teacher, Mrs. Ranum. She shares how her teacher's welcoming and supportive classroom environment inspired her. McKinsey also discusses her family background in education, which reinforced her passion for teaching.
Constructivist and Culturally Responsive Teaching (00:04:39)
McKinsey explains her teaching philosophy, emphasizing constructivist and culturally responsive methods in her STEM classroom.

McKinsey discusses her teaching style, which is rooted in constructivist and culturally responsive methods. She explains how she engages students through hands-on activities, modeling, and fostering a classroom environment that values cultural diversity and individual experiences. She highlights the importance of making learning meaningful and relevant to students.
Impact of Teaching on Students' Lives (00:10:34)
McKinsey reflects on the long-term impact of her teaching on students' lives, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences.

McKinsey shares stories about her interactions with former students, highlighting how her teaching has made a lasting impact on their lives. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. McKinsey also discusses the significance of finding joy in the journey of education.
Community Support and Student Needs (00:14:17)
McKinsey talks about the importance of community support and addressing students' basic needs to facilitate learning.

McKinsey discusses the role of community resources in supporting students who face challenges such as food insecurity and housing instability. She explains how the school works to provide basic necessities like free breakfast and lunch, ensuring students are in a safe space to learn. McKinsey highlights the collaborative efforts to connect families with resources.
Teaching Through Crisis and Resilience (00:17:41)
McKinsey reflects on teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the resilience of her students and the adjustments made.

McKinsey shares her experiences teaching through the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of her students. She describes the challenges of remote teaching and how she and her students found creative ways to stay engaged and connected. McKinsey reflects on the importance of balance and being open about the difficulties faced during this time.
Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness in the Classroom (00:21:44)
McKinsey discusses the integration of emotional regulation and mindfulness practices in her teaching to support student well-being.

McKinsey explains the importance of teaching emotional regulation and mindfulness as part of her STEM curriculum. She describes various techniques, such as breathing exercises and nature journaling, that help students manage their emotions and improve focus. McKinsey emphasizes the role of these practices in creating a supportive and effective learning environment.
Making Better Decisions (00:26:21)
Discussion on making safer and better decisions emotionally, physically, and mentally, leading to a focus on academics.

The segment discusses the importance of making better decisions for oneself and those around, emphasizing emotional, physical, and mental safety. This is seen as a precursor to focusing on academic pursuits.
The Role of the Amygdala and Frontal Cortex (00:26:34)
Exploration of the amygdala and frontal cortex's role in executive function and empowerment, and issues when hijacked.

The discussion explores the significance of the amygdala and frontal cortex in maintaining high executive function, which empowers individuals to feel in control. It also addresses the distress and loss of control experienced when these functions are hijacked, particularly in children.
Equity and STEM Access Advocacy (00:27:10)
Introduction of the speaker as a fierce advocate for STEM access for young girls and underserved kids, discussing its importance.

The speaker is introduced as a strong proponent of equity and representation in STEM fields, particularly for young girls and underserved communities. The importance of early access to STEM education is highlighted as a game changer.
Short and Long Game in STEM Education (00:27:23)
Discussion on the short game of enhancing creativity and the long game of representation in STEM education.

The segment explains the short-term goal of increasing creativity among students and the long-term impact of representation in STEM fields. The speaker shares personal experiences and emphasizes the significance of seeing oneself in STEM roles to inspire future participation.
Breaking Glass Ceilings in STEM (00:28:05)
Encouragement for students to break through perceived limitations and embrace creativity in STEM fields.

The speaker encourages students to break through perceived limitations, emphasizing that glass ceilings do not exist in their classroom. The importance of a safe space that fosters creativity and the courage to pursue ambitions without fear of failure is stressed.
Introduction to Episode Two (00:29:00)
Conclusion of the spotlight on McKinsey Kelsy, with a teaser for the next episode focusing on her community work.

The segment wraps up the spotlight on McKinsey Kelsy, highlighting her impact as Michigan Teacher of the Year. It teases the next episode where McKinsey's contributions beyond the classroom, in community service, will be showcased, promising an inspiring continuation of her story.

Spotlight Community Service (4 Episodes)

Updated 1 day ago

Creating a platform for people involved in Community Service, Public Services, Government Administration, Education, and Business Development.