Kiah Mansell, who has three years of teaching experience under her belt, makes it a mission to learn, grow and take things one step at a time.

She transplanted to Sulphur from Texas when she was young, and attended Maplewood Elementary and Middle School before graduating from Sulphur High School with honors.

She did not become a teacher right away, but much of her life prior to becoming a teacher was dedicated to teaching and caring for children. She spent time as a camp counselor and youth leader, and was introduced to the field of education after substituting on and off in the Calcasieu Parish school district for several years. These experiences solidified her decision to become a teacher and “share knowledge with the bright minds of the future.”

She went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies in 2019 from McNeese State University. She will earn her teaching certification this year.

In addition to obtaining her teaching certification, Mansell recently attended the TESOL International Conference – a gathering of committed English language professionals – to “better deliver curriculum for English language learners.”

Now teaches sixth grade English language arts at Lake Charles Charter Academy. She also works alongside a team of peers to run the theater program at LCCA.

Mansell said she has always carried a passion for sharing knowledge, and believes helping others academically brings joy to all. “I believe that knowledge is one of our most powerful tools.”

Education is not “one size fits all” for Mansell. “Every child is capable of growth with the right tools, right care, right time and right effort put into their education… educators must be adaptable when it comes to teaching in today’s world to create avid learners for the future.”

Seeing her students respond to her adaptable teaching style makes it all worthwhile. “Watching students achieve new levels of academic growth is one of the biggest joys that education can offer.”

Mansell’s students are a priority in her life. “They mean the world to me. They push me to be a better teacher and we learn lessons together to achieve new heights,” she explained. “They remind me that I always have new and exciting things to learn to be the teacher I wish to be.”

She knows her job is important for the community, citing education as the cornerstone to a solid foundation in any community. “From our sanitation and construction workers to doctors to lawyers, we all use some aspects of education in our daily lives and careers.”

For Mansell, educating the upcoming generations properly is like insurance for the future. “Encouraging children to reach new heights and offering various levels of certifications, degrees and trainings to adults is a key way to improve the community as a whole.”

In her free time, Mansell hikes and explores mountains throughout the nation; she has hiked Manitou Incline, the High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Pike’s Peak. She applies the principles she has learned during her journeys in the classroom.

Teachers commonly get swept up in the negatives in the current teaching environment, she said. When teaching becomes difficult, she reminds herself to take things one step at a time.

“Students, teachers, parents and administrators struggle with a myriad of issues that can seem as daunting as climbing a mountain at times,” she said. “When people see that insurmountable summit, they may want to five up, but I say don’t look at the summit, look at the next step in your journey.”

“Focus on the big and small growth with your students and yourself and before you know it, you will be turning around to the most beautiful view in the world.”