LSU Alumna Kaleigh Stallings Named Teacher of the Year in Spring Branch Independent School District

Why LSU? 

I chose LSU for a few reasons. The first time I came to campus was to visit a friend. This was when I was a senior in high school and started to explore my options. I think LSU was the 3rd school I had visited. They were all amazing SEC campuses; I didn't come thinking this would be the school I would be fortunate to choose. After my weekend, I knew this was the place for me. LSU stood out to me as a school that genuinely aligned with my values and goals: being kind and welcoming to all and setting myself up for success in the ‘real world’. The university's strong academic reputation in my field of interest, initially Kinesiology but true for the School of Education as well, combined with its vibrant campus culture, made it an ideal fit. The energy here is electric; there's this genuine passion that students, faculty, and the community share. There is no pride like LSU pride. I was drawn to LSU's commitment to student success and the diverse community of learners. LSU's traditions and school spirit resonated with me. I wanted to be part of something bigger. The combination of rigorous academics, supportive resources and an engaging campus community made LSU the clear choice for my college journey. I wouldn’t have had it any other way! 

How did LSU provide you with a solid education/experiential foundation for your career? 

LSU gave me invaluable tools that I use every single day in the classroom. Patience, understanding and adaptability. The education program pushed me to think deeply about how students learn, not just what they should know. What I liked most about the LSU education program was how much time we got to spend in an actual elementary school classroom. Being able to experience different schools with a wide variety of student needs shaped me as a teacher. I was able to teach lessons under wonderful mentor teachers, work with all different types of learners, see what I did and did not like, make improvements, get valuable feedback and observe experienced teachers in action. LSU provided me with the confidence I needed to begin my career as a teacher. 

What is your superpower as a teacher? What do you excel at?

I feel my superpower as a teacher is being able to identify students' emotional needs and meeting those needs. I have learned that if those needs are not met, intentional learning can’t be done. I feel I excel at creating trusting relationships with students who struggle beyond academics and teaching them confidence, empathy and kindness to not only others, but themselves. 

Describe your favorite part of your day at work. 

My favorite part of my day at work is when I am able to create fun learning experiences for my students. My students struggle with learning the same way their peers do. They exert so much effort into tasks most children would find “easy”. When I am able to foster a fun learning environment, or activity, there is nothing I love more than seeing them enjoy their learning. 

What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you? 

Being Teacher of the Year means that what I am doing is working. I feel as teachers that we do so much and often wonder, “Is what I am doing actually working and beneficial for these students?” Sure, success may be reflected in data and test scores, but when a whole community of wonderful teachers agree that what I am doing is working, it makes me feel accomplished and that I truly am making a difference in my students' lives, which is all I can ask for. 

What would you tell high schoolers who are interested in becoming a teacher? 

I would tell high schoolers who are interested in becoming a teacher: We need you, and we want you! Even just thinking about becoming a teacher is a calling. Being able to positively impact children's lives in more ways than one is a blessing. Even if you’re not 100% sure, give it a try and try to get involved in schools as early as you can. I would also say, do Special Education. It's the best!!