Taking a New Path
to Teaching Success:
Jeni Calvert Nominated
for the Horizon Award

by Christine Splichal
Mixing her knowledge of science with a love of teaching, Jeni Calvert is shining example of someone who has found her niche and SHHS students are benefitting from it.

Jeni Calvert

Calvert, who took a non-traditional path to teaching, started her education with a biology degree. Ultimately, she earned her teaching license and quickly established herself as a valued team member of the high school staff.

Not only does Calvert teach biology but she has enthusiastically taken on other leadership opportunities, including involvement in the After School Program. Working closely with families of at-risk students, she regularly communicates with them as well as consistently tracking students' progress.

She also has become involved with the LINKS program for freshmen. Described as very student-centered, Calvert helps train students who mentor freshmen to ease the transition to high school.

"My advice to new teachers would be to focus on one student at a time," Calvert said. "Meeting each student where they are in life and in academics has been key to my success."

"I also try to be consistent and just. Providing a safe, respectful atmosphere for students is important to their learning."

Clearly, Calvert has created the right atmosphere for learning and teaching success.