This week’s Staff Spotlight is 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Jenny Thrasher.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in education? I've known I wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember. All of my jobs were in daycare as a teen. Watching children hit emotional and educational milestones is such an honor to be a part of.
2. What’s your favorite part of working with students? My absolute favorite part of working with students is developing a relationship with them that lasts. I always tell my students and parents that once you're in the Thrasher family, you are always in the family. That bond last forever.
3. If you weren’t in education, what do you think you’d be doing? Oh goodness, I don't really know. I have always known that working in education was my passion. I don't think I would be fulfilled doing anything else.
4. Do you have any professional goals you’re working on this year? Yes! I am working on several things professionally. First, I am working to complete LETRS training by the end of the summer. Second, I am working hard to use my classroom data to guide my instruction. I want to make sure that every minute in my class is one that students are getting exactly what they need. Finally, I have been working on making mathematical discourse meaningful in my classroom. I want to create an environment where students can work through mathematical situations and gain knowledge from each other's ideas.
5. What’s one thing you love most about our school community? This one is easy. The people. The people here are top notch. I mean it. I have worked at other places and it is not always that way. My MVES family LOVES these kids. Everything we do is for them. We also love each other. My 2nd grade team, as well as my other coworkers make me a better person. They keep me inspired.
6. Is there a particular moment in the school year you look forward to each year? I love our end of the year celebration. We do red carpet awards day in my room. My students dress up and walk the "red carpet" to receive their award. It makes them feel so special and is such a special day.
7. Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents? I am weirdly good at anything that has to do with remembering music lyrics. I love all types and will tear up some music trivia.
8. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? Hmmmmm, well probably that my husband and I are actually published authors. All 3 of our children are adopted and we realized that at the time there was not a lot of children's books about adoption. So we decided to write one. It is called The Golden Egg and it is about a chicken who allows her egg to be adopted and what it means to the birth and adopted chicken family.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Anywhere with a beach. I'm a toes in the sand kind of girl. Nothing is more relaxing than watching the waves crash.
10. What’s a food you can never say no to? Well everyone who knows me well knows that Reeses, chocolate covered pretzels, and Diet Coke are my jam.