Q&A with a 2016 AEF Ambassador for Excellence, Jennifer Anglin

Genuine responses to questions everyone wants answered by a 2016 Arizona Educational Foundation Ambassador of Excellence.

Jennifer Anglin is an eighth grade English teacher at Flowing Wells Junior High in the Flowing Wells Unified School District. In November, the Arizona Educational Foundation named Anglin a 2016 Ambassador of Excellence.

What is your go-to idea for engaging reluctant learners?

JA: I always teach with purpose, and I have found if the purpose is clear to my students, they are invested. They understand that gaining new knowledge benefits them in my class as well as in the future.

What is something parents should do to support their child’s learning?

JA: I think parents can try to have the student be responsible and accountable for their work as much as possible. For instance, instead of calling the teacher to have make-up work sent home, the parent can encourage the student have that conversation one on one with the teacher. We want to teach our students to advocate for themselves and hold themselves up to high standards.

Who is the teacher that inspired you?

JA: My band teacher in high school was inspiring. Mr. Lindsey at Glendale High School helped me see the importance of leadership and hard work. I think it was in band that I first realized I would enjoy being a teacher one day.

Why do you teach?

JA: I love getting to know my students and helping them figure out their path to success. I have the coolest job in the world; I meet amazing people each year and learn and grow with each class I teach.

What should students get their teacher during the holiday season?

JA: I have several students who say thank you to me after each and every class. That is the best gift in the world, regardless of the season. That, and office supplies.

What is your favorite educational movie?

JA: Mr. Holland’s Opus. I love how Mr. Holland didn’t originally see himself as a teacher, but then realized it was what he was always meant to be. I feel I can relate to that since I originally went to school to become a writer. I still write, but my heart is really in teaching.

What is your favorite lesson to teach and why?

JA: I love to teach writing. It is so rewarding to workshop a piece of writing with students, to watch them work and rework sentences, and to sense the pride they feel when they finally turn in a final draft.

What is your funniest moment in the classroom?

JA: My eighth grade students make me laugh every day. I love that my students and I have created a learning environment in which we can share jokes or make silly mistakes and we all feel safe to laugh about it.

What is one thing you would change to improve teaching and learning in AZ schools?

JA: I believe that teachers need to feel valued, they need to have consistent access to professional development and mentorship, and students need to have access to diverse classes and opportunities to learn and grow in their own unique way. I believe strong leadership at all levels of the Arizona public education system and increased funding could help us attain those things.

Apple or pumpkin pie?

JA: Neither—always chocolate!

Learn more about Jennifer Anglin by watching a short YouTube video.