School of Education event highlights impact of storytelling

Storytelling, said Justin Perry, offers learning opportunities.

Storytelling, replied Ciera Dunnell Kelley, can be a lifeline.

Perry, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, introduced students and alumni who told their stories at the school’s annual donor-scholar luncheon on Sept. 15.

Kelley, who holds two degrees from the school and teaches first grade at University Academy, told a rapt audience that an opportunity to tell a personal story, at one of the lowest moments of her life, taught her that teachers building relationships with students is the most crucial thing in education.

“Once that relationship is built, that’s when a student is more willing to open up and learn everything you, and life, have to offer,” Kelley said.

Perry introduced the featured speakers after thanking the many donors who have supported student scholarships.

“Everyone has a story that has gotten us to the here and now,” Perry said. “But stories are learning opportunities. They are inspiring, and thought-provoking, and awesome. Ultimately, these stories are meant to be told.”

When it was Kelley’s turn to tell hers, she didn’t hold back.

“Growing up I always knew I wanted to be in the field of helping people; however it wasn’t until the end of my eleventh grade year that I knew teaching was that field,” she began. She enrolled in the Institute for Urban Education (IUE) at UMKC. “I knew I wanted to be an educator so that students who looked like me, and who lived in neighborhoods adjacent to me could have a chance at an education that piqued their drives and imaginations while stretching their will and abilities.”

At first, she relished the academic atmosphere she shared with her fellow students and her professors. But life – and death – intervened.

“I became pregnant with a baby boy but he passed away right before birth. It was one of the darkest times in my life,” Kelley said. “During the day I walked around the halls with a smile on my face, often pretending I was happy, and at night I laid in my room crying.”

“Then one day in Dr. (Cheryl) Grossman’s Integrated Arts class, she gave us the project of creating something that will tell a story about something that we experienced. For weeks I struggled with this project. Should I create something that would show what I really feel? Or should I continue hiding my pain and create something that wouldn’t make me so vulnerable? Dr. Grossman knew I was struggling with the project and asked me to stay after class. She sat me down and told me to tell her a story about a time that changed my life forever. At that moment, I broke out in tears as I relived the day in my head that I got the news that my son passed.”

“She then dried my tears and helped me create a draft for one of the most self-reflecting projects I have done to this day. She taught me in that moment that building a strong relationship with your students at the beginning is the most crucial thing in education.”

Kelley went on to build a strong career as an educator at one of Missouri’s most acclaimed charter schools.

“This past week, I was recognized by my principal in front of my school as having the most growth in reading, and the highest reading and math scores, in first grade. As I received this honor, I had no choice but to sit and reflect on all that the IUE has taught me and on all the opportunities they have provided for me,” she said. “So, I would like to thank the professors who gave me the tools to become the educator I am today, my colleagues that never let me slack, but most of all, you the donors. You all not only believed in me as a future educator, but as an educator who can change the world for the future. Because of you, I am able to instill these same beliefs in my students and give them the quality education they deserve.”

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor, also expressed appreciation to the donors in attendance.

“Donor support makes it possible for the School of Education to recruit, prepare, and support outstanding teachers, mental health professionals, and administrators,” Bichelmeyer said. “They are helping to resolve not only America’s, but Kansas City’s need for more educators committed to serving our urban communities.”

The annual event recognized more than 60 students for earning scholarships, along with more than 40 individual, family, non-profit and corporate donors who fund School of Education scholarships.

Bichelmeyer also presented a gift to Prof. Chrisanthia Brown, Ph.D., in appreciation of Brown’s recently completed tenure as interim dean of the school.

“Chris’ contributions have been unique and remarkable,” the Provost said. She also formally welcomed Perry to his first donor-scholar event at the school.

Perry introduced a video tribute to the late Harold Gersh, an alumnus whose legacy gift will fund scholarships worth close to $1 million.