May 12, 2025
Photo by Jennifer Manning
Dear future students,
I’m thrilled to welcome you to our K-5 classroom! We are going to have a great year of learning, discovering and exploring. But first, let me tell you a little about myself.
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Education and working with students run in my family, so from the moment people first started asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer has always been the same: a teacher.
My time at the University of Missouri played a major role in shaping the teacher I am today. I knew from a young age that I wanted to go to Mizzou. My room was filled with Mizzou posters, I wore Mizzou jerseys and shirts, and I proudly supported the university my entire life.
Being able to attend Mizzou and work toward my dream has been a surreal and rewarding experience. Through hands-on experiences, inspiring professors and a community that values growth, I’ve discovered just how powerful education can be when it’s rooted in curiosity, compassion and collaboration.
At Mizzou, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in many great learning environments, and I’m incredibly thankful to the amazing teachers who welcomed me into their classrooms. I worked with students with a wide range of needs across various settings, and those experiences prepared me for the biggest challenge of my life so far — becoming a full-time teacher for my own class at Chance Elementary in Centralia, Missouri. I’ve already been there for a full year, even before I graduated from Mizzou.
This past year brought many challenges, but I was never alone. The supportive team in my district stood by me every step of the way. Through this year-long journey, I learned a lot about myself. I discovered that I could create a classroom where students feel safe and supported, and where they could grow both academically and personally. I learned to collaborate as part of a team, to adapt and overcome obstacles, and to face challenges I never imagined I could handle.
If I could offer you one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t hold yourself back. You are capable of so much more than you think. Don’t let negative thoughts stop you from taking on something difficult. Dive in headfirst, work hard and you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve.
In our classroom, you can expect a space where your ideas are valued, your questions are encouraged, and your learning journey is celebrated. I hope you’ll feel comfortable being yourself while also challenging yourself to grow. Together, we’ll support one another, face challenges with courage and turn every opportunity into a chance to learn and succeed. I believe every student has something incredible to offer, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will bring to our community.
I’m forever grateful to the mentors, classmates and friends at Mizzou who helped shape the teacher I’m proud to be today. The experiences and lessons I’ve gained will stay with me throughout my career. Now, I’m ready to provide you with the same guidance, encouragement and belief that others have given me. M-I-Z!
Sincerely,
Mr. Callahan
