Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories that were written by students in Jodi Williams’ English 1101 class at the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. They are first-hand accounts of local people who have made an impact on the authors. As you read them, you will see ordinary people doing extraordinary things
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Recently, a student didn’t have a backpack in her class because she was embarrassed that her backpack smelled bad. Because of that the student had to carry her books and computer in her hands. Jennifer Fortenberry sent her “helper teacher” to get her another backpack so she didn’t have to carry all her things. “We need to make sure that students have all their needs, because if they don’t they won’t have a good learning experience. It can affect them and worry about what other students might think, or focus on that bad part of their day. This is why teachers need to always be there for their students as much as possible.”
Jennifer Fortenberry is not only a mother, teacher and friend. She is a woman who inspires people to go to school for teaching and to always try their best in life including someone’s future career. Even though she has high standards for everyone, she has always been there for anyone in need. Along with her parents, she has always had a heart of gold that inspires others to be the same way.
Jennifer Fortenberry’s biggest inspiration in her everyday life is her mom. She has always admired the fact she was always working hard. Jennifer then did the same while raising two children while also keeping three jobs to support her family.
“My mom is my biggest inspiration for my everyday life. She inspires me to keep going and to always be there for anyone who needs it. I try to be there for my two daughters the same way, especially since they lost their father recently.”
She has been a teacher for 28 years and plans to stay many years after that. Her teaching techniques are brilliant and thought through because of her teaching experience. Her first two years were the most challenging to her.
“I first taught at an alternative school, which was very difficult. My friend and I just got out of college. We had to come up with a rule book, and of course get people to join our school in general. The school was called Cross Roads and most of the students were felons.”
Most of the kids who went to the school had bad behavioral problems, so Jennifer had to be as strict as she could to get her point across. She would deal with a lot of kids with temperamental issues, mental issues and overall learning disabilities.
“We had a few kids who would put cigarettes in the ceilings to hide them from us in the bathroom. Of course we could smell the smoke from the bathroom, so it wasn’t long until we figured out what they were doing.” This caused her to be a super strict teacher because, in reality, she had to be. That did not make her students all that bad though, she had a lot of students who improved on their behavior. Although she had that strict mentality in her head, she had a lot of students who loved and adored her. She still talks about them until this day.
After two years of working at the alternative school, she decided to move on to become a teacher at Union County Middle School to teach sixth grade social studies. At first it was hard for her because it was a big change from the alternative school, so she had a different look on the students. She no longer had to be strict with the kids she taught - however, she believed she still had to have somewhat of good behavior in her class.
“To ensure that most of my students have good behavior, I tend to make them “sign the book.” This is mostly done with little kids but instead this is just a warning before I send them out in the hall, that way someone else doesn’t distract my other students from learning. However, I don’t make them do this if it’s something small.”
As a teacher for many years, Jennifer has dealt with many students’ home life. “I often have many children that have horrible home life, and that can affect their grades as well.” She ensures that everyone in her classroom is comfortable with telling her any issues going on that need to be talked about.
“Just like teachers, students also have their bad days. This can affect their learning and completely ruin their day. I always try to make my students happy and comfortable to my best ability.”
Jennifer Fortenberry inspires a lot of people in her day to day life and can’t help but thank her parents for always being the same way. Jennifer is an amazing teacher to her students and she always wants to be there for them in any way she can. When it comes to talking to them about home life, helping them understand an assignment, disciplining them in a respectful way students should be treated and, of course, just simply asking them how their day is. Jennifer is always there for her coworkers and is always willing to give them advice whenever they need it. Jennifer is the biggest role model in lots of peoples lives and will continue to inspire others. Her experience with teaching has continued after many years and is always willing to help others if they need it. Her daughters are the most important thing to her along with her students, and are always there for them. She makes sure she gives both of her girls the attention as both parents because they have recently lost their dad. If it wasn’t for Jennifer Fortenberry a lot of students would not be succeeding in school, inspired to help others, and overall just kind people in general. Because that’s the way Jennifer Fortenberry would have wanted it.