Oklahoma’s 2020 Teacher of the Year
Calling all parents and educators! I had the privilege of interviewing one of the finest educators in the field of education. In this heartfelt exchange, we shared our experiences, insights, and dreams for the future of education. Our conversation brimmed with mutual respect and ignited a spark of inspiration.
With an infectious smile and a heart full of warmth, this educator has transformed classrooms into havens of learning and laughter. Join us in celebrating this exceptional educator, whose spirit and dedication light up young hearts and minds. Get ready to meet Jena Nelson, Oklahoma’s 2020 Teacher of the Year – a true education superstar.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
It was a complete accident. I began volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club and unexpectedly, my path led to theatre education.
What tips do you have for creating a positive classroom environment?
I teach by my motto, “Everyday is a fresh start!” Every day presents a new beginning. We’re all rough drafts, works in progress, and deserve opportunities to do better.
What have you found to be your most effective teaching strategies?
“Inspire, teach, and let them go!” Teach the ‘why’, reveal how lessons apply to life. And above all, embrace the joy of it all – don’t take yourself too seriously, just have fun!
What are your tips on how to handle challenging behaviors?
Use the building blocks; be consistent and persistent, establish security and structure, invest, and skillfully guide, redirect, and de-escalate.
What role do you believe technology plays in education?
I believe that it has to be balanced and equitable. Students need to learn technology in order to keep up with today’s times and knowledge. However, we must remember to also have time for them to explore their creativity and curiosity.
With rumors and threats of another lockdown… How should education handle a second lockdown?
Now that we have some information, we can expand on how we handled the situation last time. We need to take care of our people first and foremost. Teachers have become more proficient with technology and can now integrate a more interactive learning environment.
With so many new teachers coming into the school with an emergency certification, what steps should we take moving forward to ensure that they succeed?
There are over four thousand emergency certified teachers. We need to give all new teachers a comprehensive ‘hug’. I believe a three prong team approach needs to be developed which includes the administration, principal, and a mentor teacher.
What are your thoughts on federal testing?
Closing the learning gap should be our first priority. Our focus should be on understanding the gap – is it behavioral or academic? We should be benchmarking throughout the year and monitoring progress. With the collection of data, we can be responsive and build an intervention.
How has being recognized as an Oklahoma Teacher of the Year impacted you?
It has been an absolute gift. I’m able to speak out about what’s truly happening in Oklahoma schools and give Oklahoma the voice it deserves. We need to always speak up for what is right and move things forward with truth.
As our interview draws to a close, are there any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Have hope and feed it every day! Oklahoma’s hope is in education. It’s the most important profession. We need to give teachers the tools and skill sets to be successful to lead the world because every generation has a purpose. Oklahomans need to vote in every election.
Jena’s journey illuminates the transformative power of education, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the role of exceptional educators in shaping the future.
- Jena’s story will continue to inspire us all. With a teaching career spanning 16 years in arts and theater, she boasts an extensive collection of esteemed honors:
- Former Teacher of the Year at Deer Creek Middle School and Edmond North High School Teacher of the Year
- Helped her students earn over $4 million in scholarships
- Directed the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland
- Presented at the International Music Festival in Campina Grande, Brazil
- Attended the State of the Union Address in Washington D.C.
- Spoke at the National Academy for Science, Engineering, and Medicine and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference
- Awarded the Teaching Excellence from OEA and the Lauren Choate Resilience Award from Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy
- One of 45 national educators to receive the California Casualty and The NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
- Inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Gamma Omega Chapter
- Featured in the upcoming “Teacher Hero Project”
Dawn Corbett is a driven, self-motivated, elementary educator, and a molder of young minds. She has taught in public education for twenty plus years. Creating original content is something that she is passionate about and gets excited about. She knows the value of confidentiality, cooperation, and being a team player. Working as an editor and blog writer has given her a valuable opportunities to develop her own intellect and a different perspective on how to respectfully communicate with others in different styles.