For Alyse Weatherford, her passion for teaching and education started at a young age. Her mother taught kindergarten and some of her most cherished childhood memories came from spending time helping her in her classroom. Those early experiences led her to follow in her mother’s footsteps, dive into teaching herself, and help children love school as much as she did while growing up.
“My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child can succeed when given the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities,” said Weatherford. “My students inspire me daily with their resilience, curiosity and joy. I celebrate every small victory with them because those moments build confidence and open the door to even greater growth.”
For the past seven years, Weatherford has called Meadowbrook Elementary School in Gladstone, Missouri home. This fall, she’s begun a new position as a cross-categorical special education teacher who serves students with more specialized needs. Prior to this year, she was a resource education teacher and has always used her passion of helping students learn, grow and achieve their goals in an environment where they feel valued, supported, and capable of success.
“The best part of teaching at Meadowbrook is the incredible sense of community,” said Weatherford. “They’re supportive, engaging and invested in their children’s learning. Together, teachers, staff, and families work hand-in-hand to ensure our school is a place where every child feels safe, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Weatherford has always been family-oriented and absorbed advice from those closest to her. Her father once told her that ‘people’s perceptions are their realities’. We can’t assume that others automatically know our intentions, and that it’s our responsibility to show them through our day-to-day actions.
“His advice has shaped how I approach both teaching and life,” said Weatherford. “Whether it’s offering a kind word, showing patience in a difficult moment, or stepping in to help someone when they’re struggling, I’ve learned that even small actions can create a powerful, positive impact. We have the ability to influence how others experience the world around them, and I see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to do so in a way that builds trust, kindness, and connection.”
By doing so, Weatherford continually expresses to her students that they are capable of far more than they may realize. Despite the potential challenges and hurdles they may need to overcome each day, her emphasis on personal belief and optimism has been able to leave a positive and lasting impression on those she educates.
“I believe that students learn best when they feel safe, valued and truly seen for who they are,” said Weatherford. “To create that environment, I focus on building strong relationships first. I take the time to get to know my students, their interests, their strengths, and their challenges, so they know they matter as individuals. In my classroom, being welcomed is more than a philosophy, it’s something students experience every day.”
Weatherford has always set clear standards and high expectations for her students because she wants them to continue to push themselves to rise to ever greater heights. To her, once students know exactly what is expected, and know they’ll be supported in reaching those expectations, they’ll begin to see themselves as capable and successful learners.
“In my classroom, standards are not about pressure, but about guidance,” said Weatherford. “They give students a roadmap of what success looks like, while I provide the scaffolds, encouragement, and tools they need to get there.”
“Alyse has consistently shown an incredible level of compassion and care towards her students, going above and beyond her regular duties to ensure that they are well taken care of and continuously supported,” said Weatherford’s nominator and father, Chris Weatherford. “Despite the rigorous demands of her profession, she consistently puts in long hours before and after school, devoting extra time and effort to ensure that her students receive the attention and assistance necessary for their development.”
“We’re all impressed by Alyse’s compassion, patience, and determination to helping educate those in our community who need extra guidance,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “The love and appreciation she continually shows toward her students is inspiring and sets an example for future educators to learn from.”
“At the end of the day, I want each child to leave my classroom knowing they are loved, capable, and part of a community that believes in them,” said Weatherford. “That’s what drives me every single day as an educator.”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
Through the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC are honoring students and teachers who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same.
