Jennifer Theis has a great love in her life (in addition to her husband and boys, 13 and 8, and their 12-year-old daughter) — teaching.
She’s practiced the art of classroom instruction for the past 16 years. Today, Theis helps fifth graders at Wilson Vance Intermediate School in Findlay learn math, reading, writing, spelling and science. It was meant to be.
Effortless transition
“I started to explore the field of education when I was in college,” said Theis, 40, a New Reigel resident. “I spoke to some teachers I had in high school and they said I’d make a great teacher. I haven’t regretted it since.”
Teaching may seem routine, but her days are unpredictable. “You have your hand in so many things. You are acting as a mother figure and a counselor. You are more than a teacher,” she said. “You have to be there for them.”
Theis has been there for her students and then some. Her career has been studded with awards, accolades and honors, including her selection as a finalist for the Findlay Rotary Club’s Golden Apple Award in 2010. She was also named an Ohio Master Teacher in 2010, a distinction she earned after submitting a portfolio of her accomplishments which was followed by an observer’s scrutiny of the quality of her teaching. She also received National Board Certification in 2011. While pats on the back from her colleagues are delightful, Theis says there’s nothing like the joy of teaching.
“When I see that my students are learning how to learn, figuring out what to do to be successful, it’s exciting.”
But it’s not without its challenges. Bureaucratic requirements and other non-academic time drainers aren’t the only problems teachers, like Theis, face.
“I’ve had kids who have experienced difficult situations at home, where they didn’t want to go home. It was heartbreaking to hear,” she said. “I tried to make them feel comfortable and safe.”
Inspiring adolescents
Despite these things, Theis has found her niche teaching pre-teens. “You have to be a special teacher to be in a middle school. Having my own teenagers, I appreciate teachers willing to teach those grades,” she said laughing. “Fifth graders are still young enough to appreciate hugs. We have fun in the classroom.”
Theis also serves as a student council advisor, and works on several district committees. She also assists first-year teachers as a mentor. For her, confidence and curriculum expertise are a novice teacher’s biggest advantages.
“Get to know everything you can about the students in your classroom,” she said. “Knowing where your kids are coming from will help you see how to help them.”
What makes a good teacher? “Someone who doesn’t stop learning.”
