Name: Cory Wenrick
Grade/Subject at what school: Sixth grade math, Westfield Intermediate School
Number of years teaching: 13 years
Background/Schooling (college & high school): Jasper High School Jasper; B.S. elementary education, Indiana University; M.A. Educational Technology, IUPUI.
Why did you become a teacher? Although I always viewed my elementary school teachers as role models, it was not until high school that I made the decision to become a teacher. While at Jasper High School, I was involved in an “All-Star” program where high school students would visit elementary classrooms and teach lessons about making good choices. I think spent more time planning those weekly lessons than I would on my own homework!
What goals do you have for your students? I want my students to feel confident in their abilities. I want them to experience the satisfaction that results from pursing a challenge and ending with success.
What do you encourage parents to do at home to help their children strengthen particular skills? I hope to focus on encouraging my students as often as I can this year. In the day to day tasks, I often forget that an encouraging note or comment could go further than a review lesson, extra practice, and so on. I have been reminded of this truth by watching my two year old son! His favorite phrase is “I did it!” Since my husband and I applaud every little new skill he tries, it is no wonder why he always exclaims “I did it!” My son thinks he can do anything because Mom and Dad are jumping up and down and celebrating his achievements. I would like to encourage parents to show genuine excitement in their child’s abilities, achievements, and growth. Surely it will not take long before you begin to hear, “I did it!”
Name your favorite movie. I love the classic movies from the 80s like “The Breakfast Club,” “Footloose” and ‘The Goonies,” to name a few. I also enjoy watching Curious George. It is the only television show that my active two year old will be still through long enough to sit on my lap!
Name your favorite musician or band. I just attended a Mumford and Sons concert this summer. If my husband and I were retired and had the time, we probably would follow them around the country on this tour!
What’s something your students might not know about you? I have my childhood Curious George stuffed animal sitting on my dresser. I’ve had this stuffed animal since I was a year old!
