Alexandra Jensen’s journey to becoming a special education teacher is rooted in the profound impact of a second-grade teacher who exemplified kindness and personalized attention. Now, armed with a bachelor’s degree in special education, a minor in psychology, and an English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement from Georgia Southern University, Jensen is poised to carry forward the legacy of compassionate teaching.
Reflecting on her formative years, Jensen recalls the nurturing environment created by her second-grade teacher, who not only fostered academic growth but also forged meaningful connections with students. Inspired by this experience, Jensen embarked on a path to pursue a career in education, with a specific focus on special education.
During her high school years, Jensen volunteered in elementary schools, where she discovered her passion for working in self-contained classrooms. These settings, characterized by personalized attention and tailored interventions, resonated with Jensen’s belief in the importance of individualized support for students with special needs.
Now, as she prepares to embark on her professional teaching career at Frank Long Elementary School in Hinesville, Jensen credits her education at Georgia Southern University for equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. She highlights the invaluable guidance of professors such as Adam Carreon, Ph.D., and Kymberly Harris, Ph.D., whose classes challenged her to grow and develop effective behavior management strategies.
Jensen also emphasizes the significance of her field placements and student teaching experiences, which provided her with hands-on opportunities to work with students of varying grade levels. These experiences reaffirmed her passion for teaching and deepened her commitment to supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
Beyond the classroom, Jensen cherishes the friendships she formed during her time at the university, noting the importance of having a supportive community during the challenges of college life.
As she looks ahead to her role as a fifth-grade co-teacher, Jensen remains dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. With her compassionate approach to education and dedication to individualized instruction, Jensen is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students, carrying forward the legacy of her inspirational second-grade teacher.
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