"We can't go back and rewrite someone's story, but we can at least prevent someone else's from turning out so bad." — Caleb Hatfield, special education teacher at Joplin High School
Caleb Hatfield continues to invest in a greater tomorrow — both for the community and through students he serves as a special education teacher at Joplin High School.
Hatfield, a graduate of Granby High School and Missouri Southern State University, is in his first year of full-time teaching. While in college, he was a member of Ozarks Teacher Corps, a scholarship program through the CFO.
"I would say the Ozarks Teacher Corps really helped me be very community-minded," he says — but he didn't wait until graduation to begin serving. While completing his studies, Hatfield was involved in social service work and with Court Appointed Special Advocates, where he served as a supervisor. Those efforts gave him a unique perspective on people, particularly how to see them in difficult moments and troubling situations.
"I don't think your trauma makes you who you are; it just kind of adds to it," Hatfield says. "I also deal with a lot of kids with 'behaviors' — you don't just act out without a reason. That's a symptom of a larger issue."
Hatfield's work varies day to day, and sometimes, by the minute. Rotating among classrooms, he serves kids and their emerging needs. If a kid is obviously struggling with schoolwork or other issues, for example, Hatfield says he can intervene and try to help.
"I can kind of say, 'OK, what's going on?"' he says. '"Let's go to the library,' or 'I'll go make a cup of coffee."'
Ultimately, Hatfield hopes his teaching — augmented by in-progress master's studies in social work and a potential law degree — is about meeting people where they are.
"We can't go back and rewrite someone's story,'' he says, "but we can at least prevent someone else's from turning out so bad."
Who inspires you? Send your suggestions of individuals moving the needle in your community to Kaitlyn McConnell, the CFO’s writer in residence, at kmcconnell@cfozarks.org.
