Meet an Achievement First Teacher: Jennifer Kim

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Get to know Jennifer Kim, a current fourth grade teacher at AF East New York Elementary.

What inspired you to join the Achievement First team and family?

I joined the AF team and family because I knew some of the talented teachers who currently work in the Achievement First network. I knew I wanted to work with them next year. Also, my co-teacher Lucy Volkmar is wonderful!

What's been your biggest challenge in the classroom and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge in the classroom is making learning exciting for my students. I think it's difficult to stir curiosity in a child and in turn use that to increase their investment in content. I am constantly trying to overcome this by leveraging the advice of other teachers and building relationships with my students.

What's been your biggest success in the classroom?

My biggest success this year has been creating open lines of trust and communication between my students, myself and my co-teacher.

What's your best advice for a new teacher?

You can learn so much by talking to an experienced teacher. Your colleagues are a wealth of knowledge. Make sure you take time to get to know them and learn from them.

Sample Schedule:
7:15-7:30 Morning Routines
7:30-7:50 Independent Reading
7:50-8:05 REACH Meeting
8:05-8:30 Textual Analysis
8:40--9:45 Prep/Meetings
9:45-10:15 Reading Comprehension
10:15-11:15 Guided Reading
11:15-11:25 Snack
11:25-12:30 Writing
12:30-1:55 Lunch
1:55-2:20 Cooperative Play
2:50-3:45 Social Studies
3:45-4:00 Pack Up/Dismissal