Alum: Kaitlin Stefanski
Class of: 2021
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Undergraduate University: Belmont University
Major(s) or Specialization(s): Secondary Education, History
Current Employer: Williamson County Schools
Current Position: Teacher
Kaitlin Stefanski's path in education was not driven by a specific moment but by a lifelong aspiration to make a positive impact on people's lives and a deep passion for helping others. "I don't have a specific moment in my life that drew me to education,” she said. “It has always been a profession that I've been inspired by. Growing up, I've always had a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people's lives."
Choosing the Path of Education
Her commitment to community service and the profound influence of her high school teachers inspired her to pursue a career in education, leading her to choose Secondary Education as her major, with a double major in History. She reflected on her choice, saying, "Between my passion for helping others and having many phenomenal teachers in my high school years, I chose Secondary Education as my major. I landed on a History double major because of my interest in stories of the past, and realizing that our youth need a strong history teacher today more than ever."
Embracing Change and Growth at Belmont
Hailing from a small suburban town just outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Stefanski's decision to attend Belmont was a significant step that compelled her to mature personally and professionally. "I grew up in a small, suburban town just outside of Milwaukee, so making the decision to move 10 hours away to attend Belmont was a huge change in my life,” she said. “I did a lot of growing up and figuring out who I am as a person throughout my four years."
Navigating Challenges and Gaining Resilience
As a sophomore, Stefanski served as a Resident Advisor (RA) in Thrailkill Hall on campus, a role that demanded a level of maturity beyond her years. She said, "Balancing the social/emotional and professional weight of my RA position, holding a hostess job at a local restaurant, a leadership position in my sorority, and being a full-time college student was a lot at times."
Empathy and Adaptation in the Face of a Pandemic
One of the most significant challenges Stefanski, along with students globally, faced during her time at Belmont was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It prompted an abrupt transition to virtual learning, requiring students to adapt to a new style of education. This experience fostered empathy and understanding in Stefanski, as she had personally navigated through a similar transition. She shared, "Being forced to learn virtually and adapt to a new learning style than what I have ever been exposed to made me a much more empathetic and aware teacher to my students because I had been through a similar experience to what they had to face as well."
Mentors and Inspirations
Her Maymester expedition to Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2019, where she explored the social-emotional aspects of learning in K-12 schools, broadened her horizons and introduced her to invaluable mentors in Dr. Rachael Flynn and Dr. Joy Kimmons, professors from the College of Education who continued to support and inspire her throughout her time at Belmont. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Dr. Flynn and Dr. Kimmons were such a positive impact on not only my learning throughout the trip but as a consistent support and mentor to me the rest of my time at Belmont."
A Teacher Shaping the Future
After graduating in the spring of 2021, Stefanski became a teacher at Fairview High School in Williamson County Schools, where she continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of her students, drawing inspiration from the professors and experiences she encountered at Belmont.
To learn more and apply, visit Belmont's College of Education.