Meet Jenna

Jenna teaches in William Penn School District, PA as a high school Health and Physical Education teacher.  Her students come from low income/urban settings and 99% of her student population is black.  Jenna is certified to teach K-12 health and P.E. and earned a masters degree in Health Education. She also has yoga in the classroom and mindfulness educator certifications. She has been teaching for 12 years.

If a coworker or administrator were to describe you, what are five words or phrases they would use?

-Passionate

-Strong-willed

-Emotional

-Hard-working

-Enthusiastic (just plan loud lol)

What is the best article of clothing (or accessory!) you have in your teacher wardrobe? Why?

“Ohhhhh, yes! I wear sweats and sneaks all day every day. My Nike sneakers. Huge sneaker head and always match my sneaks with my clothes. Athleta pants. Swear by anything Athleta, but only on sale!”

What is a book that you’ve read (or read to your students) that has inspired you?

Trent Shelton—“The Greatest You”

What is one quote or phrase you live by?

"The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time." -Brene Brown

Who is a teacher that inspires you? Tell me about them!

“Mrs. B, she was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher and the reason I'm where Iam today. Her desk was always a mess and it made me laugh because if you asked her where something was she would find it right away. My desk is just like hers, and I laugh and smile daily thanking her for giving me my passion. She pushed me everyday, celebrated my accomplishments, and never gave up on me. She became a second mom to me. So, that is what I do for my students. I push, I celebrate, and never give up.”

Motivation Monday

How did you end up in education?

“I had an amazing elementary school teacher, Mrs. Bauman. She let me call my mom when I did well on test, because I struggled with test taking. Then, in high school, Mr. Mercon was my health teacher. It was the most relaxed and open classroom and I knew that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

What is something you do to build positive relationships with your students?

“I have an open door policy. Whenever the need me, I'm there. The two things I do is treat my students like my own daughter. I get to know them inside of the classroom so I know when they need a minute or a hug. I also get to know them outside of the classroom. I spend (use to haha) my Friday nights with at football games and I try to get to at least on extra curricular activity a month.”

How do you cultivate kindness in your classroom?

“Well, my door says ‘throw kindness like confetti’.” There is no hate in my classroom and every morning I put a quote on the board to inspire their day.”

What strategies do you use to help navigate stress or anxiety in the workplace? OR What is something you do to practice self care?

“Every Monday my students grab a sticky note, write their name on the back, and stick it to my Lizzo, How you Feelin’? board. As they complete their opener, I will grab them and walk around and either pull them outside, touch their shoulder, and give them the support they need to get through their day. I also do mental health check journaling during the week to make sure they are in a safe space.”

What steps do you take to make your classroom equitable and inclusive for all of your students?

“Critical thinking and relevant teaching. I want my students to be involved in their learning, so giving them a voice in the classroom is huge for them. I make my teaching relevant to their every day life. I want them to be out in the world when they are adults and remember that Ms. Stec gave them the tools to succeed.”

Can you think of one day or event that has been a highlight for you in your teaching career?

“My students live for sports, but I make sure they are passing and doing well in all classes. I was all over two different kids that were on the basketball team. Grades were awful, but still were able to practice and play. I checked in daily to make sure that they were in school on time and getting their work done. I went to their first away game and no one was there but my daughter and me. I felt horrible that their parents weren't their. On Monday morning, I got to school and heard a knock at my door and my two students were standing outside with wawa coffee. They came in gave me a hug and said ‘thank you for showing up, we never have anyone stay and show up.’ From that day forward, I realized show up. Do the little things.”

What is one piece of advice you have for new teachers or those thinking about becoming teachers?

“Listen, be open, be flexible, drink coffee/wine, and don't give up. Mondays are always fresh starts.”