Name: Jeanette Welsh
Grade/subject at what school: Second grade, Shamrock Springs Elementary
Background/schooling (college and high school):
St. Michael’s High School, Flint, Mich.
Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Master’s degree in education, Ball State University, Muncie.
Why did you become a teacher? I just knew it was my calling from a very early age. Then my fourth-grade teacher, Miss Di Nicholo, inspired me because she was so sweet and understanding. All the way through my school years, I observed my teachers and how they made a difference in my life. I wanted to do the same thing.
What goals do you have for your students? I want to teach my children they can reach for the stars. I want to show them they can go far beyond what they think they can do, and by setting goals, they will be amazed at what they can accomplish. We set goals the very first day of school and keep revisiting and changing them as the year progresses. By the end of the year, the children are astonished at how much they have grown in all areas, socially, emotionally and academically.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? I feel if a parent spends time reading to its child each day, and allows it to make mistakes and learn from them, it will thrive. It is important for parents to be in the know, so I encourage them to go over work their child brings home, read the weekly newsletter and be a significant part of their child’s schooling.
Name your favorite movie. “The Help”
Name your favorite musician or band. I am a Dave Matthews Band groupie, and go to at least one concert per year, and then my newest favorite is The Black Keys.
What’s something your students might not know about you? I am totally afraid of heights, yet I went parasailing one summer. It was such a serene experience and I would recommend it to anyone.