A Teacher’s Journey: Jenny Meadow Before, During & After the Classroom
Listen to episode:
Watch the episode on YouTube:
In today’s episode, Cory talks with a really familiar face. Jenny Meadow previously worked as the Director of Learning and Instruction at Pacific Preparatory School (and worked there at the time this interview was recorded; she has since transitioned back to the classroom!). She gives Cory the inside scoop on her journey from the classroom to her administrative and her perspective on what makes a good teacher. It’s something we as parents and educators should spend some time thinking about, especially in this tumultuous time. Jenny emphasizes the importance of kindness, fairness, and competence in teachers, as well as the need for critical thinking skills and creating engaging lessons. We dive into the challenges teachers face, including the lack of support and resources, the impact of the political climate, and the increasing pressure on teachers from seemingly endless angles. We also touch on the potential for change in education, particularly in light of the pandemic, and the importance of simplifying and focusing on what truly matters in both parenting and education.
Brought to you by Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory.
About our guest:
Jenny oversees the Pacific Preparatory teaching team. In collaboration with teachers, she ensures that each and every lesson is engaging, evidence-based, and student-centered to allow for deep learning. Jenny holds an M.A. in Teaching from Mount Holyoke College, a Master's in Public Health from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Government from Cornell University. Prior to PacPrep Jenny taught in K-12 classrooms and developed educational content for health and sustainability startups. In her free time, she can be found making homemade ice cream, knitting, or spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons.
Find her at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennymeadow/
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids, Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross