Teach for America Volunteer – Kansas
“It’s better to have attempted to answer the question instead of leaving the paper blank. You can’t get anything out of life if you don’t put something into it.”
In May of 2006, Jenna graduated with the highest distinction from the University of Kansas with honors in Women’s Studies and Psychology. During her college career, she was Director of the KU Alternative Breaks Program, a service learning organization dedicated to giving students hands-on opportunities with service work by providing volunteer trips for more than 200 students through Winter, Spring, and Weekend Break programs.
As an undergraduate, she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, was selected to be a member of Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa, both honor societies. Additionally, she served on the Douglas County United Way Board and was named a KU Woman of Distinction, which highlights the accomplishments of women associated with the University of Kansas.
In her senior year she was awarded the Donald K. Alderson Chancellor's Award and the Ex.C.E.L. leadership award, both of which go to a senior with an outstanding record of academics, volunteer service and leadership accomplishments.
After graduating in 2006, Jenna joined Teach for America, a non-profit organization whose mission is to close the academic achievement gap between children from different socio-economic backgrounds, and was assigned to teach 9th grade English in Charlotte, N.C. Although the experience is incredibly challenging, her students made significant gains mastery of the course objectives.
Finally, last spring she was named the West Mecklenburg High School New Teacher of the Year, and 80 percent of her students passed the state's end-of-course test and moved onto the next grade.
How did you become interested and involved in Teach for America?
I have always been interested in education because my parents, who are also professors, taught me that education is important. After working with underprivileged youth while in college, I discovered that I wanted to continue to work with kids who didn’t have the same opportunities to get a good education. After joining the Teach for America program I learned that while I may not be able to change the world in a year, the students I teach are better prepared than others in the school.
What prompted you to become a leader?
I saw the need for change and improvement in the organizations I was involved with. Continual reflection forced me to ask myself “What can I do to make this or me more effective?” or “How can I make this more meaningful?” I decided I couldn’t just sit back and complain when things needed to change, but instead jump in, learn and then pass it on to others.
What obstacles have you faced in achieving your goals?
Any leader knows that anytime change needs to happen, others will be there to resist it. People are comfortable with the status quo, but I say you have to have faith in yourself and in your idea when you suggest change. There will be lots of hoops to jump through, but it’s all just trial and error. In the end, if something doesn’t work, cut your losses and reflect upon the situation, but don’t be afraid to make a suggestion again!
In my job as a teacher in Charlotte, N.C., I first try small changes and, if they are successful, I implement bigger and more meaningful changes that will help my students learn the material.
How has your experience been shaped by being a woman?
People’s perception of a “woman’s place” has sometimes gotten in my way, but I haven’t let that hold me back. As a teacher, I must be assertive to be effective, but that character trait coupled with me being a woman is perceived negatively. However, people may not always like that, but I am doing what is best.
I feel my position as a woman has given me some advantages in life though. My warm and open personality helps my students relate to me and feel comfortable in the classroom. My leadership style, influenced by the experiences I’ve had as a women, is collaborative and receptive.
What lessons have you learned from your experiences?
To get anything accomplished, you just have to be open-minded and accepting. You don’t have to agree or think the other person is right, but you have to be willing to ask question, listen to their perspective and get to know them. That’s the only way you can really grow and learn.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will continue teaching in Charlotte, N.C., for one more year and am considering attending law school after that. I would like to focus on juvenile law because I see the need for people who care about youth in the court system, whether as a lawyer or judge.
What advice do you have for young girls with leadership aspirations?
Try everything. Join organizations. Go for it. You can’t do it if you don’t try. Working in the classroom, I tell my students it’s better to have attempted to answer the question instead of leaving their paper blank. You can’t get anything out of life if you don’t put something into it.