Did you pursue a degree in a field you ended up not working in? That’s exactly what happened to Jennifer McClendon of Sparkman Middle School – the Valley’s Top Teacher this week. But although Ms. McClendon didn’t initially seek out to be a teacher, she realized it’s a calling that chose her.
“Teaching really chose me. I didn’t choose to be a teacher,” said Ms. McClendon. “My degree was originally in Biology. Graduating, it was the only job I could get. I couldn’t describe the feeling I got as I watched kids grow so I continued in that path.”
Ms. McClendon started out teaching special needs. Looking back at 10 years of work, she says the variety of experiences has shaped what she teaches.
“I think teaching such a diverse group of students I see how the choices I make affect them. We always talk about choices and how they affect them — especially teaching in middle school, we are always talking about teaching,” said McClendon. “We also talk about consequences. There’s always consequences for behavior.”
Mrs. McClendon’s mission to help students beyond the textbook is reflected on the walls of her classroom. “I try to motivate them. If you look around the room there’s not a lot of math stuff on the walls. It’s more about being positive and motivating and be good people. (I teach them to) be kind to each other,” said McClendon.
As several students have nominated Mrs. McClendon, it’s clear her efforts are appreciated.
“I just think she’s a really good teacher,” said Nizerria Truitt, one student who nominated Ms. McClendon. “The way she explains things makes learning much more fun and easier. She makes it less complicated. (She) makes me want to challenge myself to do more. Not only is she a good teacher, she’s (also) a good human being.”
A positive school environment hits home to Ms. McClendon; she was bullied in school.
Now, she says she does everything in her power to make sure that does not happen in her classroom. If you’d like to nominate a teacher for their positive effect in a child’s life, click here.
