Jen’s philosophy about teaching is simple. Just because kids have forgotten how to behave, doesn’t mean they cannot learn.  As a nation, we are seeing student behavior deteriorate at a startling rate.  American teachers cringe as more and more becomes permissible in schools.  Due to this trend, GOOD teachers are leaving the profession at an unprecedented rate.  But, it doesn’t have to be this way!  Jen believes teachers need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom. Educators have the toughest job in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, advisor, judge, jury, lawyer – just to name a few. Jen believes in EMPOWERING teachers to be able to teach again, and not battle behaviors all day!

Jen agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!”  Let’s reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Jen believes that the research is clear: when students know you value them as a human being, they will work harder for you and challenge you less. She also believes teachers don’t need any more committees, theory and new, trendy programs with catchy names. Teachers need real, easy-to-implement ideas.

Jen also understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.  Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore!

Jen also knows the biggest unchallenged assumption by many today (especially politicians) about education is that kids are coming to school willing and ready to learn. As educators, we know this is not the case. We have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. Many students are learning behavior from video games, you tube, social media, and a myriad of other influences.

Jen knows there’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. She is dedicated to helping educators be successful through motivation, inspiration, humor and a common-sense approach to classroom management. Most importantly, she leaves educators with as many proven, practical strategies as she can.  After all, she’s spent most of her life in an elementary school.