Thanks for joining us, Jennifer. When we happened upon your website, giveeverydayachance.com, we knew we wanted to interview you. When did you start the site and what was your inspiration?
Hi! As you know I am an educator, former principal, author, wife of an elementary physical education teacher, and mom of two. This blog and my social media accounts are about teaching, parenting, and leading with heart. My inspiration was my own children, students and husband, who also teaches in the inner city of Providence.
Why do you blog and share on social media?
I’ve spent years in classrooms and schools—loving the work, but seeing burnout steal joy from good people.
Where did you grow up and what schools did you attend?
Providence- Classical, Rhode Island College, Lamar University, and American College of Education
Did you have any mentors?
I have looked up to many people in my field. Karen Power , who is the former director of the KinderCare, where I worked at during college, was truly an inspiration to me because of her warmth and dedication to best practices. She supported me in my earliest years and beyond.
OK, back to giveeverydayachance. You describe it thusly: “This is a space for making the most of each and every day. Small, happy moments are celebrated, and gratitude and positivity are shared. I believe it is our job as human beings to positively impact the world, and that when we know better, we should do better!” Break that down for us please.
What I Believe
I believe education should be:
— Humane
— Sustainable
— Rooted in social-emotional learning
— Filled with purpose, not pressure
One of your many essays is Fifteen Minutes of Magic: The Joy of DEAR Time in Our MLL Integrated Kindergarten Classroom. READ
— Another is More Than a Day Off: Teaching the Meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. READ
— And Children Who Fear You Are Not Respecting You — They Are Surviving You. READ
— And Valentine’s Day Is About More Than Hearts: It’s About Who We Choose to Love—and Why. READ
— And When Tragedy Hits Close to Home: A Providence Teacher’s Reflection on Brown and Sandy Hook. READ
It is understatement to say we live in challenging and sometimes depressing times. What keeps you going?
The children keep me going!
Tell us about your book, Educate the Heart, which earned glowing reviews.
In a world where children are rushed from place to place, often on devices, teachers need to create an environment where they are given time and allowed to focus, to think, to create, and to learn. My book provides over 100-screen free ideas and activities to help teachers of students in PreK-Grade 6 inspire authentic learning in their classroom.
What is your advice for young people who are heading into the teaching profession?
Focus on the good. Reflect often and choose your inner professional circle wisely.
