Jennifer Farnham

I have taught in an independent school setting for the last 15 years. My first 7 years, I was part of a rich and lively Kindergarten setting. Then I taught in a combined 1st and 2nd grade classroom for another 7 years. I am in my second year teaching a combined 3rd and 4th grade classroom. I am incredibly fortunate - I team teach with another full-time teacher in our homeroom. They say that teaching is an incredibly personal profession. That is certainly the case for me. Through all of my teaching experiences, I have learned so much about myself. Not only as a professional, but as an individual, too. I am lucky to have a job about which I still feel so passionate at this point in my career.

I believe firmly in the philosophy that true learning only happens when children feel a true emotional attachment. For me, that attachment happens through humor, sharing, making intentional efforts to know my students, fun and engaging activities, and genuinely reaching out to parents as partners in their child's growth and development. I work hard to strike a balance between structure and spontaneity, encouraging independence in my students yet not forgetting the role that teacher-led activities plays, honoring tradition while inviting innovation, and (of course) incorporating modern technology as much as we do the good old 'getting your hands in it'.

I know this isn't an honor or award, but it is definitely an example of those moments when I'm over-the-moon thrilled that I am a teacher. I'm talking about those moments when, after your class has worked on a long-term collaborative project, you now have to sit back and just let them do their thing. For example, putting on a play. They've done all kinds of incredible work and compromising and collaborating and you've put your heart and soul into getting them ready. But there comes a point where the curtain lifts, and it's all about them. I love those moments. It's this incredible combination of hope and fear and pride and worry and elation...and not only is it running through your bones, you can see it on their faces. And of course, there is success - and the light in your kids' eyes the moment they realize, "We did it!" is so incredible! To me, that's the best evidence to me that I've done my job: my kids coming together to show the world what they've accomplished!

After 13 years in a wonderful public K-12 setting, I attended St. Olaf College. I earned a B.A. in Speech-Theater with an emphasis in Communication. I came to the realization that I wanted to teach children not long after I graduated from college. I decided to pursue my K-6 teaching license and Master's Degree at the University of St. Thomas. I completed my M.A. in 1999.

I live in beautiful St. Paul, Minnesota with my husband and son.