Sometimes, You’ve Just Got to Laugh

Kindergarten teacher Megan Segraves laughs with her students — a lot! They are all riding the learning curve of technology by learning via Zoom.

“Even though we are not physically in the classroom this year, I still feel like I have formed positive relationships with my students about new ways to absorb the material,” said Segraves, who teaches at New Chelsea Elementary School for Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS).

"I made supportive friends at JCCC. I’ve leaned on them, both personally and professionally." — Megan S.

The KCKPS district chose to start the school year completely online. Segraves’ greatest challenge has been to keep “ants-in-their-pants” kindergartners engaged for an entire school day in front of a screen. So, to quiet those “ants,” they dance, sing, tell funny stories and then get back to work on alphabet, simple math and other important fundamentals.

“My classroom kids definitely keep me motivated,” she said. “They have shown great adaptability and dedication to this new online learning process. Their excitement about learning makes me want to be a better teacher.” 

Segraves completed a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education through JCCC’s Distance Partnership Program with Emporia State University.

“The classes I took at JCCC gave me a great foundation in early education,” she said.

Segraves took away from JCCC a working knowledge in writing lesson plans, teaching strategies, classroom management and working with a variety of students, including those with special needs and English language learners.

“I made supportive friends at JCCC. I’ve leaned on them, both personally and professionally,” she said. “My co-workers and staff are also very dedicated to making sure students succeed during this difficult time. I’m blessed to be a part of such a positive and supportive school community.”