Jackson Elementary School 2026

Jennifer Rodriguez

Jackson Elementary School - 4th Grade Monolingual Teacher – Math & Science 
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Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in engaging students through fun, interactive learning experiences that feel relevant and applicable to them outside of the classroom. By making learning enjoyable and exciting, I aim to help my students love learning as much as I love teaching. My goal is to instill the love of learning by the time they step out of my classroom.

Every lesson I touch I want to make it feel like Ms. Rodriguez's lesson. You will not walk into my class without hearing and seeing me having a fun time. Funny voices, funny faces, chants, drum rolls, making the students feel like I am the student and they have to teach me how to do things, etc. I believe if I am not having fun, the students won't have any. Learning starts with the teacher; if they can see I am not enjoying it, why would they?

Nobody wants to sit in a boring class, but that doesn't mean I give them a bunch of games. I believe games can work themselves into some lessons more than others, but what about the lessons that don't lend themselves to games? I stand on knowing that those lessons can still be engaging by making lessons feel relevant to the students. I love for the students to get talking about their lives and things they have experienced. Then showing them how their experiences are just like the Battle of the Alamo, trying to solve for change, utilizing friction. I believe the students learn the best when they can make their own connections. Who said arguing with siblings couldn't help them to understand Texas history? Who said their love of takis couldn't help them understand change? Who said the sports they play couldn't help them learn about friction? It helps them to see that what they are learning here at school is important to their every day to day lives, it matters. They care to learn it when they see a real reason for learning it. I have seen firsthand how these discussions can be so engaging and help them refer back to what they learned.

First, the students have to feel that what we are learning is attainable. I always try to assure my students know that I am not seeking perfection alone, I want improvement. Perfection is a part of the process, but that is at the end of the process. If students are bogged down about not being able to get 100s they won't feel like trying. It is important for the students to care and feel like they can improve. They themselves need to be able to see their worth and what they can bring to the table. They have to feel confident in their abilities. My teaching is filled with pep talks and how to approach problems and situations when you get frustrated and stuck, because we all know it is going to happen to all of them. I want them to know their frustrations are understood and a part of the learning process. My job is to teach them to work through these hurdles so they can obtain their very best, always showing themselves they can improve and quitting is never an option.

My students know that I am there to help and are open with me about the mistakes they make. To me, this is where relationship building is a big part of teaching. If my students don't trust or feel comfortable with me, they won't seek my help. It is vital I know how every single student in my classroom learns best so that when I help, I help them in a way they will understand. I know which students need to hear all the things they did right before even talking about what they did wrong. I know which students need a pep talk before even reading a problem. I know which students are confident and need to be pushed further in their learning. I 100% believe I can't teach at my best if I do not take the time to get to know each and every one of my students and let them get to know me. Relationships are key to teaching.

I never want teaching to just be me doing all of the talking, the students are the ones who need to learn, they need to be the ones sharing and discussing. Everyday no matter what the content, I want to hear my students speaking to one another. This may look like think-pair-share, table group talk, musical partners, etc. This gets the students involved in their learning and creates perfect opportunities for everyone in the classroom to engage in a low-stakes environment.

Everything I have described above is a perfect description of why I am a teacher. I absolutely love it. It is so rewarding to see students have fun at school, and not just at recess, in the classroom learning! But more than having fun, it is seeing the students apply what they are learning. It is always so special to me to see the confidence in my students grow throughout the year and I am overjoyed in the fact that maybe I was able to help with that. I try to see it as I have a year to really make a difference in this child's life, here comes August, ready… set… go… Nobody is going to teach exactly like I do and I am confident in knowing that just like we preach to the students, to do their best. I try to do my best teaching so my students can learn and do their best in life.

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Principal's Recommendation

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great admiration and enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Jennifer Rodriguez for the Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Rodriguez is an outstanding educator whose classroom environment fosters engaging and meaningful learning through care, creativity, and intentional instruction.

Ms. Rodriguez collaborates effectively with colleagues to plan purposeful lessons and prepares diligently each day to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed. She meets students where they are academically and personally, providing thoughtful guidance that promotes not only their understanding but also their confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Her patience and unwavering commitment support students in recognizing that effort, perseverance, and determination are key to achieving their goals.

What distinguishes Ms. Rodriguez is her ability to set high expectations while maintaining strong relationships and meeting her students' individual needs. She upholds rigorous academic standards within a supportive and nurturing classroom environment where students feel valued, capable, and motivated. Her classroom reflects her conviction that all students can thrive when provided with appropriate support, encouragement, and instruction.

In addition to her impactful work in the classroom, Ms. Rodriguez serves as a respected leader and collaborator within the school community. She actively supports her colleagues, contributes positively to team initiatives, and fosters effective partnerships with families to promote trust and shared responsibility for student success. Her professionalism, dependability, and student-centered approach make her a vital member of our campus.

Innovative, dedicated, and compassionate, Ms. Rodriguez consistently makes learning engaging, relevant, and impactful. Her commitment to student development, instructional excellence, and the broader school community exemplifies the highest standards of the teaching profession.

For her exceptional contributions, steadfast dedication, and genuine passion for students, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Jennifer Rodriguez for the Teacher of the Year award. She is truly deserving of this honor.

Sincerely,

Antreshawn Buhl
Principal
Jackson Elementary School