Jennifer Schlader, Lowell Early Childhood Center

Position: Pre-K Teacher

Years Teaching: 21 years

Hobbies/Interests: Camping, fishing, and photography

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Everyday I love being greeted with hugs and seeing the excitement in their eyes and on their faces. An excitement for learning, a love for school, their teachers and their friends.

What do you find the most challenging about teaching? I always feel like time is against me, I have a hard time separating school life and home life and I tend to take too much work home with me.

Best tip for new teachers: Always take time at the end of the day to reflect what went well, what didn't go well and what you can change for the next day. When a child has a bad day, reflect on what YOU can do differently tomorrow to help them have a better day. Just remember, behaviors communicate something, YOU just have to figure out what that is. Always tell students you are so happy to see them and that you are so happy that they are at school.

Best tip for career teachers: Find something to LOVE in all students, be consistent, have high expectations and treat them with love, kindness and respect.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Don't forget your previous teachers, make sure you still stop by to see them and tell them about all the wonderful things you are doing in your new class.

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: It just amazes me to think that I had students parents who cared enough to take the time to nominate me. That they think I am doing a good job and to recognize the hard work I have put in to make sure their child loves coming to school everyday.