Jaylynn Leslie is a first-grade teacher at Carnegie Elementary School. She grew up in the community she now teaches in and loves the full circle moment of teaching in a place that means so much to her. She has been teaching for 16 years and has been visiting The Education Partnership for 10 years. Jaylynn shared some of her favorite memories of teaching and how The Education Partnership helps her classroom, students, and community!
What’s a classroom item you can’t imagine teaching without?
Dry-erase markers! I use dry-erase markers every day. We use them for word building, spelling words, and sight words. They are very important for both me and my students to teach and learn.
What’s your favorite part of partnering with The Education Partnership?
I love the feeling of support from being a part of TEP’s program. Being a part of The Education Partnership’s program has improved the culture and relationships between teachers. When I visit TEP, I like to grab extra items for my entire school. For example, our school’s Free Store always needs jackets and backpacks. Sometimes when I visit the Teacher Resource Center, and see something new and exciting, I text or call my colleagues and ask if they need it and how many they want. Others do the same for me.
Recently, I visited the Teacher Resource Center and was able to grab enough ski hats for my first graders. We used the ski hats to celebrate the fifth graders’ kick off their Winter Olympics activity. The students were so excited to get a brand new hat, and that everyone got a hat, not just the students who needed them.
My students are so young. Often, they don’t realize the difference between one student having supplies and another student not having what they need. Being able to get supplies from TEP for everyone in my class allows everyone to get what they need, and it levels the playing field. I always teach my students to be kind and to practice kindness. If I notice someone doesn’t have something, but because of TEP, I’m able to help students throughout the entire school year.
When do you feel the most proud to be a teacher?
The bond I form with my first graders is so special. Watching and feeling that bond grow, until they’re seniors, is really important to me. I’ve been helping with senior graduation for four years now. I love seeing the big kids and remembering them when I taught them twelve years ago. Also, I’m proud of the connections I’ve formed with the families of my students. Twelve years later, the families are still interested in catching up with me while reminiscing about memories from first grade. I enjoy teaching the siblings of former kiddos and growing the connection with families. I grew up in this community, and I remember the teachers I had. I hope to be the teacher that my kiddos remember.
I cherish the relationships I have with families, especially if I’ve taught several students in one family, because the family trusts me. If they are going through a difficult time, they feel comfortable being open and honest with me. They trust me enough to let me know they are struggling to get their student a backpack. They know I will make sure a backpack is waiting for them on the first day of school.
Knowing that at the beginning of the school year, I’ll have supplies like pens, pencils, scissors, glue, and crayons ensures my students have access to core school supplies. I keep these supplies in baskets by my window where students can grab whatever they need during the day. We had a family start in the middle of the school year, and I was able to grab the essentials for each student because of the supplies I got from TEP.
What are the supplies that you notice make the biggest difference in your classroom?
Having backpacks and school supplies at the beginning of the year is huge for my students. If a family has several students to purchase supplies for, it can be a financial burden. Sometimes, we don’t realize that having the simple classroom necessities makes such a difference. The families are appreciative when they can count on the teachers and the school to help support their students’ education. When they don’t have to worry about purchasing school supplies, they can spend that money on something special or extra for the family.
We also stock up on dry-erase markers and small whiteboards to send home with students to practice at home. This helps their classroom participation and homework completion. Parents and families are appreciative of having that extra element of support.
I love the variety of extra materials we are able to find at the Teacher Resource Center. I shop every fall and spring, and try to get to every creative corner session. Every time I stop by, the TRC is full of new stuff I can use for my classroom. Last time I was there, I grabbed enough tiny glasses for all of the first graders. The students are going to plant a flower in each glass during science. Then, the kids will take it home for Mother’s Day. Small items like these make teaching so fun and exciting.
How has being sponsored through the Adopt-A-School program impacted you, your students, and your school community?
The kids are so excited to get something that is all theirs. They get excited about the toothbrushes, too! I sometimes ask them what their favorite thing is from the bag. The majority of the kids say they love the markers. They’re always a big hit!
I use the bags of supplies we get through the Adopt-A-School program as homework kits. These kits make sure families have what they need to help their students complete work at home. Sometimes students start in the middle of the year without the proper school supplies. The Adopt-A-School program makes sure that every student who comes into our school has what they need to succeed.
Author: The TEP Team
