Hi, I’m Jenn!

I’ve taught fresh, young elementary-age learners in a private school, grown-ups seeking a second chance in adult education, young people needing help getting on the right track in a detention center, and the full gamut of teenagers in a public high school. Throughout my career, I’ve learned some things that work and some things that don’t – or some things that work with these students but not with those. Honestly, I’m still learning. Every year still feels a bit like trail and error; and on more than one occasion, I’ve stopped and said, “This isn’t working; let’s try something else!” I’ve learned to meet my students where they are and teach the students I actually have rather than worrying about where they’re supposed to be. That takes a bit of stress off and certainly proves more effective than fretting and complaining and trying to make them fit onto some unrealistic pacing guide.

Anyway, I’ll be sharing some things I’ve learned – and am still learning – about building authentic relationships with students, planning engaging lessons, creating a space that facilitates learning and feels like home, and taking care of myself outside of the classroom. I also love to laugh, so I hope to share some funny stuff with you. The world is kind of a dumpster fire and so many of us and our students are in one form of crisis or another, and I believe laughter is good medicine.

Sometimes the data team meetings and SMART goals and pacing guides and teaching curriculum with fidelity can get to be a LOT. A lot a lot! My goal in my classroom is to cultivate joy, to create a safe classroom where students feel cared for, to grow together. If that’s also your goal, then let’s form our own little community here.