CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:
During my visit to Crete Elementary, I was impressed to see
groups exchanging insights into student progress and needs.
The teams discussed their students, the areas that required
support, and trends they were surprised by and wanted to
celebrate. The entire team is committed to ongoing
collaboration to analyze and share results to achieve student
progress and achievement. The coaches did a fantastic job
creating the structure and protocols for the work!
TEACHERS' VOICE
It was very insightful to see other grade levels.
We always get to work within our own teams, it
was great to hear and learn from other teachers
in different grades.
YEARS IN THE DISTRICT: 10
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of
disappointment goes out, and the tide of love
rushes in." — Kristin Armstrong
CURRENTLY READING:
The Measure by Nikki Erlick and Student-Centered Coaching by Diane Sweeney
SOMETHING TO KNOW
Currently, I am an instructional Math coach. However,
I love teaching, reading, and writing. My Master's Thesis
was focused on Writing to Read. I get my reading and
writing fix when I teach summer school!
WHAT MAKES A “GOOD DAY” AT SCHOOL?
I consider partnering with teachers to promote student learning a “good day”. I enjoy observing teachers when
they try new strategies or methods, especially when the student outcomes are positive. Helping people energizes
me. On a good day, I can positively influence those around me. It's a good day when I can inspire a teacher to let go
of a practice that no longer serves his or her students and help the teacher replace the idea with a research-based
best practice. Of course, taking the students outside for PEP on a beautiful sunny and warm day is also a real treat
for me!
IN WHICH TEACHER’S CLASS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND THE DAY?
This is such a hard question to answer. There are many classes that I would like to choose. All the teachers at Crete
Elementary are terrific. If I had to pick one right now, I would choose Mrs. Jenny Chapman. Before the pandemic, I
worked as a Math Interventionist. I was fortunate enough to work in Mrs. Chapman’s classroom to assist with Math
intervention every morning and afternoon. The second grade students at Crete Elementary rotate to all three
classroom teachers throughout the day. Mrs. Chapman teaches math to all three groups.
Mrs. Chapman is an amazing human and an outstanding teacher. She has the patience of a saint. (I call her St.
Jenny) She meets every student where they are at and focuses on student growth and closing gaps. Jenny creates
an environment of respect and belonging. She is warm, enthusiastic, and caring. She sets high expectations for all
students. Mrs. Chapman makes learning math fun while focusing on the Common Core Math Standards and her
students still love math. She is creative and has a great sense of humor. I see many smiles and hear a lot of laughter
as I pass her classroom while walking down the hallway. Most days, I must resist the urge to walk into her classroom
and stay there.
While co-teaching with Mrs. Chapman, I had to step up my game. I wanted to be better, and I wanted to do better,
both as a teacher and as a person. I felt this way because I wanted to be more like Jenny. She inspires me to push
myself to be better at everything.