Please help us congratulate April Jarvis as one of our elementary teachers of the year. Jarvis has been teaching for close to 12 years and is currently a 4th grade teacher at East End Intermediate. She says that knowing she is making a difference pushes her to do her best every day. In her philosophy of teaching, she wrote: “When I see a child’s eyes light up when they are proud of the work they have done, I know. When a child runs to hug me after a break or a long weekend, I know. When I go to a high school graduation and witness a child overcome with emotion from seeing their fourth grade teacher there, I know. When a parent contacts me to tell about the successes in their child’s life and that I had played a part in that, I know. I know I am making a difference in these kids’ lives, and that is why I continue to put in the hard work and strive to be the best I can be to them each and every day.”
In a letter of recommendation, one parent said she has been grateful for Jarvis’ willingness to help outside classroom hours to answer questions and provide advice. “Having a child with dyslexia is a challenge,” said the parent, “however, I never felt pushed aside or ‘less than.’ Her ability to see each student as equal and deserving of equal education is to be admired. She works diligently to create a classroom where all children learn, no matter their ability.”