From graduation to teacher of special education: Kelsey Heath reflects on her first year as a teacher

Kelsey Heath ’25 graduated from Mount Marty with her elementary education and special education degrees and accepted a job at Wayne Jr/Sr High School as a 7-12th grade special education teacher. Now, she has been working with special education students for almost a full school year and adores making such an impact on their lives. Heath attributes much of her teaching style to the professors at Mount Marty and the Benedictine values.

Heath was first inspired to enter the education profession by her parents. “Growing up, I saw firsthand the powerful, positive impact educators can have on students’ lives,” Heath explained. “For some students, a teacher may be the most consistent role model or the only supportive adult they have, and that responsibility deeply inspired me. I wanted to make that kind of difference — to ensure that every student feels worthy, supported and valued.”

When Heath was deciding where to pursue her college education, she never thought Mount Marty would become her home away from home for four years. Todd Schlimgen, the women’s golf coach at the time, reached out to Heath to invite her for a campus visit, and that was when it began to click for her. She ended up loving the campus, especially the newly constructed Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse, and the small class sizes. She also met with Sister Candyce Chrystal, who was an associate professor of teacher education at the time, and Heath enjoyed what Chrystal had to say about the program. Heath said her decision ultimately came down to the fact that Mount Marty "just felt right."

As part of her education at Mount Marty with her dual degrees, Heath spent time student teaching and exploring both general and special education. Heath said, “Student teaching was super beneficial. Every experience, lesson and every relationship I built with a student, I learned something from.” It was during her student-teaching experience that Heath found her calling in special education. “Working with students in special education is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I value the opportunity to advocate for my students, build meaningful relationships and support them in reaching their full potential,” Heath said.

Double-majoring and competing in college athletics all four years had its challenges, especially when she began her student teaching. But, having professors and coaches who embodied the Mount Marty core values of hospitality and community and who provided such abundant support to Heath made all the difference. She mentioned Instructor of Teacher Education Jamie Van Winkle and, now retired, Associate Professor of Teacher Education Christine Hof were impactful to her education. “Jamie and Christine were a huge part in why I continued pursuing education even when I had my doubts,” Heath said. “Jamie taught me a lot about what it means to be a teacher, and Hof made me fall in love with special education when I originally thought I would do general education.”

Now, a day in the life for Heath working with her students is very dynamic. Her day is scheduled around what her students need academically and emotionally. “I may begin by supporting a student with transitions into class, then provide direct instruction in core academic areas where students need additional support by breaking down assignments, reteaching skills or providing accommodations,” Heath explained. Throughout the day, Heath will collaborate with teachers and paraprofessionals, collect data on each student's individualized education program goals, and adjust and create accommodations for students as needed. “A consistent focus of my work is helping students build independence, organization and self-advocacy skills, so they can successfully access instruction across settings.”

Heath took many of the skills she learned at Mount Marty into her practice, including differentiated instruction, choice boards and an understanding of children's physical and social development. She was also significantly influenced by her Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI) classes, taught by BLI Director Joe Rutten, and by the Benedictine Hallmarks, which appear in her character and classroom. “In my work with students, particularly in special education, these values guide how I build relationships, advocate for students and create supportive environments where all learners feel safe and valued,” Heath explained. “The Benedictine emphasis on listening and humility has strengthened my ability to reflect, grow and collaborate with others, while the commitment to service has reinforced my desire to lead through action.”

The first year of teaching can be challenging, but Heath is most proud of how she has channeled any stress or anxiety into more motivation to work hard, ask questions and learn, so she can better serve her students. Heath is also grateful for the supportive culture at Wayne Jr/Sr High School. “Wayne Jr/Sr High School is honestly so welcoming. The special education team I work with is absolutely amazing, and they have helped me immensely in my first year. I feel very supported by the school, and they also have amazing teachers who genuinely care about all of their students.”

Heath’s advice for future teachers and special education teachers is this: “If you are not in it for the kids, then it’s not the job for you. You are going to be challenged, stressed and question your decision to be a teacher, but even the smallest wins can make all that feel worth it.”

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.