Debbie Jenkins

Debbie Jenkins has been teaching since 1981, and has spent most of those years at St. Martha. She has a Master’s Degree in reading from the University of Louisville. In 2011, Mrs. Jenkins won the Ulmer Award from the Catholic Education Foundation and has been awarded several grants, including one for the Accelerated Math program which is currently used in the 2nd grade.

Q & A with Mrs. Jenkins

Highlight of the year:

1st Communion, Pretend mass.

Passion:

I really want students to enjoy reading and to feel successful in school. I want my classroom to be a safe place to try new things, to work together, to be respectful, and to acknowledge each other’s differences.

Philosophy:

I believe in two methods of learning to read (phonetically and by sight words). I still teach students cursive writing and they love it! I believe in learning math facts by practicing them on many of the web-based programs and in letting students experiment with different methods of solving problems themselves without specific instructions on “how” something should be solved.

Favorite part of teaching:

My favorite thing is seeing the joy on a child’s face when they finally “understand” a new concept and knowing that every day is different. Teaching is never boring! It is the most interesting and challenging career for me.

Favorite teaching memory:

My favorite memory is when the second graders sing and use sign language after making their 1st Communion in April each year.

Favorite thing about St. Martha:

My favorite thing about St. Martha is the family atmosphere that is always felt here each time you attend an event or just walk through the door every day.

My hope for my students:

My hope is that each student finds happiness in life in a career they love as I have found in teaching.

Fun fact:

I enjoy reading, traveling to new places, spending time with my family (especially my three granddaughters), eating out with friends, and line dancing!