Think about all the changes you’ve had to endure in your life. Maybe some change was hard to adjust to. And maybe some change granted you some of the greatest privileges in your life. But how does that relate to the classroom?
For more than 20 years, English teacher Jennifer Bryan has helped build and shape young minds through her passion for literature and the art of writing. But this year in particular a unique change has occurred in her schedule as this marks her first year of teaching an advanced leveled English class.
When talking to Bryan about her views on the new adjustment to her schedule, and specifically the advanced English classes.
“In the advanced classes this year, I’ve learned to look more deeply into a topic to discover the why vs the how. I’ve enjoyed every student’s insights,” Bryan said.
But that’s not the only difference she experiences in the classroom. One thing Bryan had to adjust to and take into consideration is the time consumption of the advanced classes as well.
“The amount of preparation, and then the grading has been a lot to adjust to. I’m relearning what I studied in later high school and college to break down concepts to these students,” Bryan said.
Despite the challenges that can come along with this, Mrs. Bryan has learned to embrace it as she’s learned one important lesson.
“We never stop learning,” Bryan said.
Bryan expresses how with every book we open, new knowledge comes in and that with every conversation we have, new perspectives are obtained.
Ellie Force (10) is a student in Mrs. Bryan’s Advanced English II classroom.
“Being in Mrs. Bryan’s classroom is fun. Not only is she nice, but she also is welcomed to answering any questions we have for a deeper meaning,” Force said.
Overall, while Bryan’s career evolves with each experience and lesson she’s learned and even taught, one key thing she hopes all students take away from her class – advanced or non advanced – is that they are loved.
“I want them, above anything else, to know they are respected, admired, and loved,” Bryan said.
And while Bryan says she can be seen as a bit tough sometimes, overall, she also wants each student to be held accountable in her classroom, knowing that they can always progress and be their best selves.
“I want them to look back and respect that they were responsible for their actions, and if they fell short, there were no grudges or hard feelings. We just get up and try to better the next day,” Bryan said.
So for Bryan, a change in her schedule did come with some challenges. But it also came with new learning opportunities and new perspectives when looking at things that revolve around daily life.
But what does change mean to you? Whether it be moving to a new school, or even a slight change in your schedule, after hearing Bryan’s story, will you try to embrace it and maybe even see a new perspective?
