Jennifer Newberry

Tell us why you became a teacher

My kindergarten teacher was my inspiration to become a teacher. Every child knew how much Miss Turner loved them. She encouraged us to share our thoughts and thinking. I was lucky enough to teach with her when I started my career. I have embraced her love of children and teaching.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first and second graders were busy working independently, as I was teaching a small group of struggling readers. The group was working on reading fluency and giving suggestions for improvement. After A. finished his turn, the group members and I praised his fluency. I said, “A., you are becoming such a great reader!” A. said, “Because YOU taught me!” I had tears of happiness in my eyes and we hugged. I don’t know if A. remembers this exact moment, but it will always be special to me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would start with paying off my own children’s student loan debt. We tried to cover as much of their college costs as possible, but we needed to use FASFA to allow them to go to community college for their first two years, then transfer to a 4 year university. My youngest son is a special education teacher. If I have any money left, I will plan a third total solar eclipse trip with my teaching friend. We drove from MI to Nashville in 2017. We drove to Ohio in 2024. We will fly next time!