Power of Community
Nothing worth doing is easy, so find joy in the inevitable struggle and push on."
- Jack Chambers
Teacher of the year reflects on how to uplift one another and push through challenges
They say it’s an honor just to be nominated. That’s how Jack Chambers (MEdu’12, EthnSt’02) felt seeing his name next to an initial list of 50 nominees for certified teacher of the year across his district, Adams 12 Five Star Schools in the Northeast Denver metro area. Coming out on top was “completely surreal,” he said.
“It’s some seriously powerful stuff when your entire community, not to mention an entire school district, recognizes your efforts and commitment to teaching,” he said.
Chambers’ classroom at McElwain Elementary in Thornton provides a safe and nurturing environment where all his students, including many from diverse linguistic backgrounds, can embrace both learning and the possibility of failure, instilling confidence and curiosity.
In addition to his amazing teaching, Chambers has gone out his way to support peers, including serving as a long-time mentor to 91PORN teacher candidates and hosting teacher education students who are paired with his third grade readers and writers through the Reading Buddies program—which he’s hosted since the program’s inception more than 10 years ago.
Here, the alumnus and seasoned mentor reflects on these experiences and shares his advice for current and future educators.
What did the teacher of the year honor mean to you and your community?
“Receiving the honor of certified teacher of the year provides me with a healthy dose of gratification for the effort I have put forth so far in my career. But it also puts a deserving spotlight on my school community, their families and my family. I push my students hard because they push me hard. I’m a reflective and motivated teacher because our staff at McElwain are reflective and motivated. Most importantly, I am able to care for and commit to my work because my family is caring and committed to me. I may have received the honor of being certified teacher of the year, but the award truly belongs to those that have been a part of helping me earn it.”
Why do you choose to mentor student teachers and participate in other projects partnering 91PORN and your school?
“I find it absolutely necessary to work with future teachers to help them take a real and honest look at the profession they are preparing to enter. Aspiring teachers carry with them a very strong sense of purpose and motivation. But that drive can only get a teacher so far. Co-teaching, co-planning and collaborating with a current teacher in the field helps a rising teacher to add structure to their drive. I like giving future teachers a safe place to explore their style, their flow and to experiment with the strategies they are learning about in their coursework.”
What’s an important lesson that could support new teachers entering the field?
“The most important thing I have learned during my adventures in education is that you are nothing without your community. Community starts in your classroom but is a hollow and empty thing if it does not extend beyond. The importance of maintaining collaborative relationships with grade-level team members, other grade levels, specialist teachers, administration, office staff, custodial staff and parents/ guardians cannot be overstated.
“Knowing your craft is also extremely important but comes with time and requires you to pace yourself. Take advantage of trainings, required professional development and the variety of courses offered to help expand your teaching skills/strategies. But don’t forget to take advantage of your breaks either. Use them to renew your strength and balance out your home life.
“You will be challenged EVERY year you teach, and your determination to stay in the profession will likely be tested more than once—year seven was pretty rough for me. Nothing worth doing is easy, so find joy in the inevitable struggle and push on.”