This week our Cordell Blue Devil Faculty Spotlight is 8th grade science and biology teacher, Jennifer Estes. She strives to make everyday an enjoyable and engaging learning experience in her classroom. She cares deeply for her students and continues to make a lasting impression in their lives. Continue reading more about Mrs. Estes.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in a small town in Germany called Berglangenbach until my mother married an officer in the United States Army who brought us back to the United States. I travel home as much as possible to see my family. I have been happily married to my best friend for 27 years. We have been blessed with two daughters, Emma, who is a junior at Cordell and Olivia, who is a senior at SWOSU. She will be graduating this year with a degree in education.
What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
With all the traveling I do, I think my students would be surprised to know I am scared of flying. I hate turbulence!!
What has been a memorable moment from your
teaching career?
There are so many memorable moments since I have been an educator, each one that will always have a lasting impression on me. When a student finally succeeds in their goal is the best thing ever! When a student that some think will never grasp the concept being taught ends up exceeding expectations is ALWAYS a memorable moments. There is NEVER a dull moment in teaching. A few years go, Cordell and Corn area had tornadoes and they blew the warning here in Corn. Two of my students called me to make sure I was okay and to tell me to get in the basement. Those two students made me feel so loved. They will forever have a place in my heart.
When you're not teaching, how do you like to spend your time?
Spending time with my family, cooking, gardening and traveling.
Do you have any advice for your students?
Never let anyone define who you are! You are meant for greatness and to all the people who say otherwise, PROVE them WRONG! I would tell them to be lifelong learners. We can always learn somehow. Even at my age I am learning new things to keep up with my students.
What was it that made you want to be a teacher?
As a student that was well... not always well behaved at school for many reasons, I noticed some teachers wrote me off as a "hopeless cause". But one teacher, Mrs. Johnson, always encouraged me, showed me kindness and treated me like I mattered. I realized we need more teachers that are there for the kids to encourage, love, support and be there for them when no one else will. I decided I wanted to be that kind of teacher. I also became a mom and wanted to be a part of their education from start to finish.
If money was no object, what would you have in your classroom and why?
The BIGGEST aquaponics system my classroom could hold! Students need to learn that there is not enough farm land to support enough food for the population of people on earth. Students need to learn how food is grown traditionally and also alternative ways to grow food. Through aquaponics you can teach many Oklahoma standards such as ecosystems, chemistry, water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle and so much more AWESOME geeky science stuff.
What motivates you to be the best teacher you can be? What are your intentions when you walk into the classroom?
My motivation is that ALL students can learn. If we think otherwise then we need to find a new career. I want science to be fun and engaging for my students. I want my students to be excited to learn. My intention for when my students walk into the classroom is that they never know what will happen in a good way regarding what and how something is being taught. I try to make a classroom environment where my students are always actively participating either by group discussions or with hands on labs. I will say, I have some EXTREMELY creative students.
If you could take your class on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Oh that is a hard one! I would say the Amazon just to see such a diverse ecosystem that we just see in books and on video. I would also make a stop on the way back in Germany so my students could see my hometown