EduCurious Interview with Kaylee Morgan: Whole Child Education

Kaylee Morgan, an educator lauded for her unique ability to blend structure with warmth, shared her inspiring journey into teaching and her profound impact on students and the broader educational community. Initially hesitant about following in the footsteps of family members in education, Morgan's path was decisively shaped during high school. A supportive strings teacher, Meg Smith, recognized her distress with changes in the music program and encouraged her to explore orchestra. This pivotal experience, which taught her the power of pushing through challenges and discovering unexpected beauty, ignited Morgan's passion to inspire students in the same way, leading her to study music education at Warner.

Morgan passionately described the profound rewards of teaching music, emphasizing its role as a vital creative outlet. She finds immense joy in witnessing students, particularly those having difficult days, find solace and self-expression in her classroom. For Morgan, music education is crucial for the "whole child," fostering brain development, creativity, and providing a safe space to make mistakes and build confidence—qualities that she believes indirectly boost overall academic success.

Currently finishing her Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Morgan has gained a deeper appreciation for the administrative side of education. She highlighted the critical importance of fostering strong, supportive relationships with staff, recognizing that a respected and motivated faculty is essential for reaching students effectively. Her studies have also reinforced her commitment to culturally relevant education and nurturing the overall well-being of each child beyond standardized tests.

Morgan’s dedication extends far beyond the classroom. She has always been deeply "plugged in," taking on roles in various clubs and organizations, such as the National Junior Honor Society. This involvement, she explained, not only enriched her teaching but also honed her time management skills – a crucial asset as she masterfully balances her full-time teaching career, rigorous Master's program, and the joys of raising three young children, including a newborn. She credits prayer, coffee, strong family support, and firm boundaries with her ability to manage her demanding schedule.

Looking ahead, Morgan aspires to move into an administrative role, such as an Assistant Principal, within the next five years. Her goal is to empower students and inspire staff, drawing on her leadership strengths of effective, empathetic listening and exceptional time management. She sees opportunities for growth within the education system, advocating for greater investment in comprehensive music programs and fostering a more positive, validating, and collaborative environment across all schools.

A strong believer in community engagement, Morgan is actively involved with the Lake Wales Arts Council, where she directs a thriving summer camp. This program, which has expanded to the Hillcrest campus due to its popularity, offers diverse arts activities and involves educators and craftspeople from across the region. Morgan is passionate about creating an inclusive arts culture and sees the camp as a vital way to connect with families and provide enriching experiences for children, including a new teen pottery camp and volunteer opportunities for high schoolers. Her advice to aspiring educators is to consider the dedication required but also to follow their passion, jump in, and find their unique fit, much like she did.

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