Working on It Amanda

A conversation with Jennifer Abel, gifted and talented educator at Shwab Elementary formerly exceptional education at Hermitage Elementary in Nashville, TN. Jennifer was a participant in Stories of Resilient Educators, and Amanda got a chance to follow up with her about her experience  teaching during the Pandemic, her predictions for 2021/22, and how other societies value educators.

A spoken narrative and song inspired by teachers and created by teaching artists, this project amplifies and uplifts stories of resilient teachers in Metro Nashville Public Schools during the 2020/21 school year. Teachers applied to be part of a Narrative 4 Story Exchange in an open application process, and in this application they were invited to share reflections on teaching. Five of these applicants were chosen to meet online to share and exchange stories of resiliency in teaching. Project leader Amanda Cantrell Roche wrote a spoken narrative incorporating teachers' quotes, and Alison Brazil wrote and recorded an original song with co-writer Matt Lipscombe inspired by the stories. Jon Royal contributed to visioning meetings as well as a voice in the spoken narrative.  

amandacroche.com

Thank you to Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for being a sponsor, and to the many donors who made this possible. To donate and add your name to supporters: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stories-of-resilient-educators-sore

And thank you to resilient teachers, everywhere. We see you, and this is for you!

Teachers whose stories were shared and whose words shaped this project:

Dr. Nikki Hughes, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary
 
Jessica Henderson, Glenview Elementary School
 
Susan Henderson Isel, Antioch Middle School
 
Brigid Whitaker, Glenview Elementary School
 
Aaron Litvack, Maplewood High School
 
Linda Wynkoop, Glencliff High School
 
Dr. Shauntazia Shorter, Cane Ridge High School
 
Laura McAfee, Ida B. Wells Elementary School
 
Caroline Sharp, Oliver Middle School
 
Thelma Guzman, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School
 
Tania Mejia, Park Ave. Elementary and Johnson Alternative Learning Center
 
Caison Bridger, Jones Paideia Elementary School
 
LaDonna Williams, Thomas A. Edison Elementary School
 
Hannah Spear, Tom Joy Elementary School
 
Paige La Grone Babcock, Apollo Middle School
 
Jennifer Abel, Hermitage Elementary School

When work and opportunities are lost or put on hold during the pandemic, this writer finds a way to slow down, zoom in, and discover luminescence in every day life.