Staff Corner:
🌟 Celebrating Our Teachers:🌟
Mrs. Jennings,
How long have you been at Collinsville?
This is my 23 year at Collinsville! I came back to teach in my hometown. I taught in TPS at Roosevelt Elementary for 5 years (multi-age and Project Accept).
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is the bond I create with my students. I make a conscious effort to build an environment where my students feel safe to ask for help and empowered to communicate their needs and emotions.
What is something funny your students have said?
One of the funniest things I've heard a student say to me during a difficult lesson is, "Move to the back, I'm driving the bus today." They were referencing a phrase I use in our room to indicate the level of cognitive dysfunction I or the students are experiencing. When I'm struggling, I tell them, "I'm on the struggle bus." They will often tell me they are on it with me. I use it as a gauge for comprehension as well. I will ask, "Do you have it? Or are you still on the struggle bus?" It provides a way to indicate your need for clarification with humor, while avoiding the stigma or embarrassment of asking for help. If you normalize it, they feel safe enough to indicate their confusion.
What is your favorite treat?
My favorite drink is a Lavender Vanilla Matcha with protein cold foam. My favorite snack is the salted peanut butter David bar.
