Kali Creasap, Pre-School Teacher, Marion City Schools
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, 2011
Kali Creasap grew up in Marion, Ohio, attending and graduating from Marion City Schools. She made the choice of remaining in her hometown to pursue her education and now has a career in teaching that she is extremely passionate about. And much of the growth and discovery she needed to take that big step into her life and career are linked to her undergraduate educational experiences at Ohio State Marion.
After attending Ohio State Marion and earning her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 2011, Creasap began working as a preschool teacher for Marion City Schools. Licensed to teach PreK-3, Creasap started off teaching kindergarten for 3 years, then switched to preschool for 4 years.
“It was the best decision I have ever made. I was switched to online first grade during covid-19. It was a challenge,” she shared, “but the kids made it better.”
“This 21-22 school year,” Creasap said, “I am happy to be back in pre-K. PreK is a lot of social-emotional learning and play, along with academics. We hope that students learn letters and sounds, learn to count and recognize some numbers, recognize their name, and write it, etc.”
According to Creasap, because of the smaller campus setting, working, and being involved on campus, she was able to overcome her shyness and fear of speaking to peers and adults.
“Now, don't get me wrong, it still happens, but the close-knit quality of the campus has helped immensely,” she added.
According to Creasap, her education courses at Ohio State Marion made a big impact on her as a teacher today.
“The classes Ohio State offered have impacted me and my teaching greatly,” said Creasap, in particular children's literature. Discovering different types of books and stories was an eye-opening experience.”
“Read a-louds are my favorite thing to do with my students now,” she said. “I'm always thinking of ways to make a book more interesting.”
Creasap shared that teaching also goes beyond academics.
“You are a role model for students. They look up to you. They confide in you. They come to you for help. You provide stability; emotional and social. You are their constant during the school year,” she said.
Creasap said, “nothing prepares you more than being able to learn first-hand.”
“Taking field experience placement through Ohio State Marion,” she said, “was the best way to really see how it is to be a teacher. You are immersed in the culture of the school district, and yes, every district is different, every school.”
“Have you heard the saying; a teacher's job is never done? It's true,” said Creasap. “Communication is the skill used most. As an educator, you need to be able to communicate, whether that is with students, parents or coworkers. No matter what the issue, good or bad, communicate!”
“My daily routine involves a lot of preparation, planning, organizing, and patience. Not only do you have to plan your lessons for the day/week, but you have to organize all the items you need, study up on the lessons, organize what you are using and doing,” she said.
“It is time consuming,” Creasap added.
“Other skills I use are caring and compassion,” explained Creasap. “Not all students have a "cookie-cutter" life. That is not reality. You will have to jump through hoops and over hurdles, but to see the smile on the student's face or the hug you get is worth it.”
Creasap said she did field experiences around Marion and was in and out of many different schools. Ohio State Marion’s field experience connections paid great dividends for her during her undergraduate program.
“I feel like having gone to The Ohio State University and The Ohio State University at Marion in particular, have helped me be marketable because I was accessible to Marion City (Schools),” Creasap explained.
Earning a degree from one of the top public universities in the country was a huge plus as well, she shared.
“Let's be honest, Creasap said, “everyone knows Ohio State, so that's always a nice thing to be tied to.”
Creasap was clear in pointing out, you don’t become a teacher for the money. “You do it for the kids.”
She said, “nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student recognize his name or write it, finally learning how to play kindly with others, or figuring out how to do a puzzle, learning how to count or just how to say, ‘I need help.’”
“The pride you feel from watching your students grow is the most rewarding feeling,” Creasap said.
With all the choices Creasap had in education programs across Ohio and around the country, she felt a great deal of pride in her decision to attend the Marion campus.
“Ohio State Marion provides the small-town feel,” she said, “but has everything you could possibly need. I made many friends and memories. I was able to be in extracurriculars, the campus musical and acapella group, while attending school. I was also able to hold three different jobs on campus.
“I am glad I made the choice to stay in Marion and attend Ohio State Marion,” Creasap said.
The biggest gift she shared is the compassion and understanding she has learned as a teacher grow over the past 8 years, she said. Being a teacher has “truly has made me a better person.”