Post by title1parent on Jun 8, 2011 20:50:08 GMT -5
napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/schools/5742585-418/educator-is-force-for-others.html
Educator is ‘force for others’
Jun 5, 2011 2:36AM
Jen Brinkman, 35, of Oswego teaches English at Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. She also is the yearbook adviser. She has been a teacher for 13 years.
Education: A bachelor of science degree in teaching English from Winona State University, Winona, Minn., and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.
Inspiration: “During my senior year of high school, my basketball coach died suddenly. I knew then what an impact educators had made on my life and wanted to be that kind of force for others.”
What keeps you teaching: “Teaching is never boring! I enjoy the creativity, humor, and insight that a diverse group of students have always brought to my classroom.”
Craziest thing a student has said: “I once told a student he had 30 seconds to get his assignment out of his backpack. He stood up, unzipped his bag, turned it upside down and dumped its entire contents onto the floor in the center of the room. He turned around and said with a smile, ‘It’s out!’”
Favorite moment: “Graduation — Every time I see a student I know reach for that diploma with a smile is a special moment.”
Best advice: “Rise to meet the challenge.”
Favorite topic to teach: “I love teaching world literature. It allows students to see perspectives they may never have imagined and to learn about the heritage of people who may include their classmates.”
Interesting project: “In world lit, I have students ‘change the world’ in a unique way. They always have interesting ideas!”
Recent accolades: Nationally Board Certified in 2008
Parting words: “Go Warriors!”
Educator is ‘force for others’
Jun 5, 2011 2:36AM
Jen Brinkman, 35, of Oswego teaches English at Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. She also is the yearbook adviser. She has been a teacher for 13 years.
Education: A bachelor of science degree in teaching English from Winona State University, Winona, Minn., and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.
Inspiration: “During my senior year of high school, my basketball coach died suddenly. I knew then what an impact educators had made on my life and wanted to be that kind of force for others.”
What keeps you teaching: “Teaching is never boring! I enjoy the creativity, humor, and insight that a diverse group of students have always brought to my classroom.”
Craziest thing a student has said: “I once told a student he had 30 seconds to get his assignment out of his backpack. He stood up, unzipped his bag, turned it upside down and dumped its entire contents onto the floor in the center of the room. He turned around and said with a smile, ‘It’s out!’”
Favorite moment: “Graduation — Every time I see a student I know reach for that diploma with a smile is a special moment.”
Best advice: “Rise to meet the challenge.”
Favorite topic to teach: “I love teaching world literature. It allows students to see perspectives they may never have imagined and to learn about the heritage of people who may include their classmates.”
Interesting project: “In world lit, I have students ‘change the world’ in a unique way. They always have interesting ideas!”
Recent accolades: Nationally Board Certified in 2008
Parting words: “Go Warriors!”