Nov. 19, 2024
Michelle's Educational Journey and Impact
Michelle Schaefle joins us on Spotlight for Success to share her journey from the classroom to the forefront of educational innovation. Discover how her passion for teaching science and STEM has evolved into a role at News-O-Matic, where she crafts educational products that nurture critical thinking and strengthen students' real-world connections. Michelle's story is a testament to her dedication to enhancing the learning environment, offering valuable insights for educators and innovators alike.
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This podcast Spotlight for Success is our way of highlighting the incredible success stories happening in education right here in our home state of Georgia, at the Georgia Council of Social Studies Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Michelle Schaeffel, who has made a significant impact in the field of social studies education.
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We'll explore her journeys, insights and the positive changes she's creating for students and teachers.
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So let's get started.
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Michelle, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
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Sure, I am a previous teacher.
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I was in the classroom for nine years.
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A Texas native you know, I've taught a lot of different subjects.
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I've taught math, I've taught science, I've done robotics.
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A lot.
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I've done a lot, worn many different hats, as you know, team lead and PD specialist.
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And you know, now I've moved over to the other side of education, to now where I kind of get to help make those decisions, that make those changes within the classroom and you know, I feel like I've moved into a role that I'm really loving.
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That's wonderful.
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Let me ask you what first inspired you to get into education.
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Back when you were in college.
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I don't even you know, like I don't have that aha moment.
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Like.
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I just know that I've always been like really close connected to working with kids and whether it was babysitting or helping tutor or you know whatever it was, and kind of like going into college I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but was still helping babysit and tutor and um, it was kind of always like my calling, like I knew that, like there was such an impact to be made and and that I felt that I had something to offer to guide those students and, um, you know, that's kind of what sparked my interest in it all.
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I'm like, okay, like I love this, I could continue to do it.
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It makes me happy, like I can definitely see myself like doing this for the rest of my life.
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That's awesome.
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So when you were in the school environment, what grades did you teach?
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I taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade, so all those fun, interesting years.
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Oh fun, and was it social studies?
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No, so I actually taught the science for the majority and then towards the end I really got into STEM.
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So I got into tech and engineering and all the fun.
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Started with math, quickly learned that math was not it for me and my math skills were just, they were kind of lacking.
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And the kids, they were they, they were blowing me out of the water.
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So, Michelle, what brought you to a Newsomatic, where you're at now?
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So, you know, after I finished my master's, I was kind of like what's next?
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Like, you know, how can I continue to to make an impact in the education field?
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And you know I wanted to be on the design side.
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I can see, like the pieces that are missing in the classroom, and I know that I have some great things to offer.
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I saw this opportunity come with Newsomatic and I was like, okay, like after I had my interview I was like I know that, like I can make a difference in this company and I believe in the products that we have.
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And you know, so much of my research has been on critical thinking skills and and what that looks like.
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And Newsomatic is a product that offers the opportunity for kids to be able to have that real world connection and to build on those critical thinking skills.
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And just spoke to me and it's been great since I've been here because I've been able to continue to make those changes and offer solutions to those pieces that I feel like are needed in the classroom every day.
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That's wonderful, and what kind of interactions have you had here at the Georgia Council of Social Studies that inspire you?
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I mean, I've had so many people come by the table, you know, and just talk about the things that they're doing in their classroom and you know things that are working well for them and just talking about, obviously, how it can fit into what they're doing.
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But just hearing some of the newest and latest trends that are happening within the classroom that these teachers are out there implementing and to hear their success stories has been pretty awesome and definitely food for thought for me to take back and be like okay, like this is what's new, this is what's trending, this is what's working, Like how can I build on this and help make it better, which is one of the things I love about my role.
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Wonderful, and I understand you mentioned something about being in doctoral studies.
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Is that right?
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I am currently about halfway done with my doctoral program and curriculum and instruction.
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So again going back to the building piece of curriculum and how we're doing it and what we're offering, and you know the whole process of that.
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That is wonderful.
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Well, thank you so much for your time today.
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You know Michelle is here at the Georgia Council of Social Studies.
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So happy that you're here and look forward to hearing more next year, perhaps as you're starting your dissertation or completing it.
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Yes, my capstone.
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I did go capstone, I'm very hands on.
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I'm excited for it.
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That's wonderful.
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Well, thank you.
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Yeah, thanks so much for having me.
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