Crockett Teacher, Joanne Jenkins, Shares Her Passion for Impacting Lives

One of the best ways to give back to your community is to work in it. Joanne Jenkins, a teacher at Crockett Elementary School, has been doing just that for seven years. “I wanted to be a part of the improvement in our schools” says Jenkins.  Jenkins is currently a fourth grade bilingual math, science and social studies teacher. “My favorite part of teaching is the positive impact I can have on my students.”

It is no secret that, for some students, school is a safe haven; somewhere that they can be loved and accepted no matter what factors affect their lives outside of school. Teachers have a special, multi-dimensional job, where they not only educate young minds academically, but also show them love and compassion. “I love seeing their faces light up when they know they have someone who cares about and believes in them. For some students, you are their only constant” says Jenkins.

Seeing students grow into successful young adults is every teacher’s dream. Jenkins says she loves when “former students, who weren’t star students, come up to me bragging about how they are doing in school. Recently, I ran into a former student and I was amazed, and very proud, of the changes he’s made in his life.”

Just as teachers care for the well-being and future of each of their students, students develop a deep sense of respect and love for their teachers. “They’re concerned when you miss work or don’t seem to be yourself,” says Jenkins, “I am inspired daily by the affection they show to me through drawings, trinkets, letters, hugs or smiles.”