Jennifer Keene

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I want to inspire curiosity and creativity in our youth. In the industrialized education system that is found throughout our country, curiosity and creativity is often squelched instead of encouraged. I believe this is contrary to what education should be. Throughout my 27 years of teaching experience, I have strived to provide opportunity for students to think critically and creatively, to wonder and inquire, to create and explore. I believe this is true education.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It's important to me that the student-experience in my class is memorable. There are two quotes from my students that come to mind that sum up the experience that I try to provide in my classroom. An 8th grade student once called out in class, "Every other year I hated science, but now that I'm in your class, science is my favorite subject." I overheard another say, "Ms. Keene is the only reason I get up to come to school every day. No one has ever loved me like she does." This is why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Union is an alternative middle/high school that services a large population of special needs, low-income, and Hispanic students. We are currently building a STEAM program. The program that we are creating serves as a job internship for our students. It trains our students to mentor and be STEAM instructors for elementary children. I would use the money to development a STEAM lab for this program. As a school in a state that severely underfunds education, programs like this are greatly needed.