Jen Reeves

Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a terrible middle school experience. I was bullied and didn’t have anyone to rely on. I wanted to be that person for my students. I felt helpless and alone in middle and high school. Girls would make me cry and I had nobody to talk to. I ate lunch in a bathroom stall. I never wanted any of my middle schoolers to have nobody! I want to be more than someone who teaches. I want to be someone who cares. If kids know you care, they try!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I was teaching growing and changing. We were on our bullying lesson. I had the kids stand in a line and put tape on the floor. I asked a question and they had to cross the line if it applied to them. I asked if they had ever been bullied. They watched one another cross the line. I asked if they had ever witnessed their friend being bullied, Then I asked if they were ever the one who bullied and many crossed the line. It started an emotional conversation about how to treat one another!

What would you do with the $25,000?

What I’d dream to do… go to Paris! I took 3 years of French in high school and I always wanted to use it! Realistically…student debt, College for my oldest and baseball for my youngest. Take care of my boys! Spoil them. My parents loved me and took care of me. I’m thankful for that. I’d remind my boys the importance of giving. Large tip, someone’s dinner… anything that involves kindness. I would involve them in that kind of spending!