Staff Spotlight
Kindergarten teacher Michelle Hedding sees short attention spans and potential for astronomical growth
by Mary Jo David
Kindergarten teacher Michelle Hedding likes to grow where she is planted. As a child, she grew up on a farm in Chelsea, along with her brother and her parents. She married her high school sweetheart, Kirk, and together, along with daughters Emma and Madeline, they live in a home they built on the same farm in Chelsea where Hedding was raised.
Hedding attended Chelsea High School, where she participated in show choir and marching band, including color guard. She has always loved to sing, and she learned to play the flute at a young age and still plays at church as an adult.
While in high school, Hedding’s mom worked as an office manager, so Hedding thought she should follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a similar career. But sometimes mothers know best, so her mom questioned her daughter’s decision. By pointing out that Hedding had always been good with kids, her mom provided some food for thought, and Hedding decided to run with that idea.
“My mom was right. I always loved kids. I grew up playing mom to my little brother—even though he hated it,” Hedding recalled with amusement.
As she got older, Hedding spared her little brother by turning her attention to earning a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. While attending college, she worked at a day care center, further cementing her resolve that she was meant to work with children.
After she graduated from EMU, Hedding began her teaching career for Stockbridge Community Schools. In her 23 years in with SCS, she has witnessed quite a bit of change. She started with the district when elementary kids attended Howlett Elementary in Gregory. Kindergarten was only part time so she alternated her days between Kindergarten and Kids Club. Years later she taught first grade, fourth grade, and second grade, and Young 5s, then she returned to being a kindergarten teacher.
During the 2015-16 school year, Michigan changed its kindergarten birthday cutoff from Dec. 1 to Sept.1. Even before that change Hedding was noticing a serious need for a Young-5s program. With the help of Principal Brad Edwards, Hedding put together a proposal and presented it to the superintendent and school board, but the idea was turned down.
As it happens, the second time was the charm. Hedding took the proposal back to the school board in the spring of 2015 and the Young-5s program was approved’ the program was established in time for the 2015-16 school year.
“With Mr. Edwards’ help, I started the program and handled it on my own at first. I think that program is probably my proudest professional accomplishment,” Hedding said.
There’s no doubt that this experienced teacher brought lots of knowledge and practice with her as she returned to teaching kindergarten four years ago. Of course her kindergartners love recess, playtime, and just exploring. They also look forward to “Fun Fridays,” and all of them, including Ms. Hedding, enjoy the relationships they’ve built as a classroom family.
“I just had a new student start yesterday,” Hedding said. “and already, today, she walked into class and told me she loves being here.”
Those are the days that make her job worthwhile.
“Attention spans are very short in kindergarten. I have to constantly change things up for the kids every 15 minutes or so, which leaves me with very little downtime,” Hedding explained. “On top of that, bridging the ability gap to address the needs of certain students who get bored easily if activities are too simple can be very challenging.”
Over the years, Hedding has noticed a steep increase in the academic load kindergartners are expected to take on. She encourages parents to stay involved in their children’s lives—and especially in their education—and she hopes that each of her students gives life their best shot and remains true to themselves.
After a day surrounded by “littles” who are overflowing with energy, it may surprise people to know that Hedding is a bit of a homebody and prefers a quiet existence away from crowds. She loves music (her favorite genres are Christian and country) and time spent outdoors on solitary hikes. Together, she and her family spend quality time hiking, four-wheeling, hunting, and skiing.
Back at school, Hedding’s students have learned that her classroom is a safe space for them.
“They want to be here and they work so hard to please me as their teacher,” Hedding says. She adds, “The best part of the year is the end of the year, when I always look back and realize the astronomical growth my students have made. I see that, and it makes me think about how far they can go in life.”
Photos provided by Michelle Hedding.
Kindergarten teacher Michelle Hedding began
her teaching career in Stockbridge
23 years ago.
Michelle Hedding with husband Kirk and daughters
Madeline (center left) and Emma (center right).
