Episode 8a: Educators in Uncharted Times

Amy Stuart VanderMaas

Born and raised in Castle Rock, WA.  Graduate of Castle Rock High School.  Cross Country and Track athlete. Graduated with a BA in Spanish and a minor in history with a secondary teaching credential from Lewis & Clark College.  Ran one year in college until an injury sidelined my running career.  Received my Master’s Degree from Heritage University and will finish my library certification from Seattle Pacific University Fall of 22. In my 32nd year of education, teaching high school Spanish, AVID/College 101 and the last three years as our high school’s librarian. Also coached track for six years. Met my fabulous, funny husband, Tony, in the Tri-Cities and we’ve been married since 1992. He began as a nuclear engineer but transitioned to education as a teacher, school administrator and now a district administrator. We have two amazing kids, Meghan, a 2019 graduate of the Air Force Academy, and Cole, a senior at Georgetown University in DC.  We also have one really awesome son-in-law, Seth, who is also a 2019 graduate of the Air Force Academy. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life and my prayer is that people will see the Hope of Jesus in me and that it leads them to knowing Christ in a real and life-changing way.

Clay Kennedy

Clay Kennedy has been a public school teacher for 25 years. He earned his BFA in Art Education from Texas Tech University, and his MEd. in Elementary Education from Eastern New Mexico University. Currently Clay teaches Art at Lubbock-Cooper High School, and is the lead Student Council Advisor.

Recently discovered quote which has inspired (or justified) his daily life:

"We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing."

-George Bernard Shaw

Morgan Kirkpatrick

As a soon-to-be former teacher, I find myself asking who I am if not an educator, and that is terrifying.  I was born and raised in Lubbock and decided in the fourth grade that I wanted to be a teacher.  Reading and sharing books makes my heart happy, along with working puzzles with my mom and granny, going to the lake with friends, and hanging with my seven year old nephew. I hope to start a new chapter in my life as I leave a profession that is no longer sustainable

Timestamps:

Prioritizing Self Care (5:34)

Confidently Setting Boundaries (12:25)

Taking Care of Your Emotional Health and Physical Health (24:35)

5 Activities That Nourish You

Morgan (39:08) Clay (40:36) Amy (43:13)

5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months

Morgan (39:57) Clay (42:32) Amy (44:25)

Song Featured: Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara