Kids are like sponges. Soaking up the world around them.
In the classroom, teachers teach math, science and history. But it’s the lessons in between the lessons that students often pick up on too -- like how a teacher deals with a frustrated student or difficult situation.
Reagan Chemistry and Forensic Science teacher Jennifer Elder is incredible at teaching both types of lessons: the planned and unplanned.
She recently had a few tardy students, who all handled the news of being tardy in vastly different ways. But it was her approach to each of them, that left an impression on one of those students—prompting his mother to send her a Staff Shout Out.
“I am the mother of two students at Ronald Reagan High School. I would like to take a moment to recognize one of your teachers, Mrs. Jennifer Elder. My son looks forward to her class each day. He has told me that the moment he walks in, he feels better. In his words, 'her classroom feels safe.' Not because she gives him special treatment, but because of how she interacts with her students. She balances structure with kindness, upholding rules while being understanding and humane in her approach—whether she’s teaching, tutoring, or even issuing a tardy slip.”
Recently, her son was tardy along with a few other students. One of the other students got angry, said rude things and ultimately threw the tardy slip in the trash. Mrs. Elder’s reaction to that student became a valuable lesson for her class.
“Mrs. Elder didn’t make an issue of it. She simply continued teaching with her usual enthusiasm, treating every student— including that one—with the same level of care and attention.
What struck me most was my son’s takeaway from the experience. He didn’t focus on the disrespect shown by the student; instead, he reflected on the lesson Mrs. Elder unknowingly taught everyone in that room. She demonstrated how to enforce boundaries with dignity, how to listen without being reactive, and how to remain fair, collected, and kind—no matter the situation.
Educators like Mrs. Elder make an immeasurable impact, not just through the subjects they teach but through the example they set. I am deeply grateful that my son has the privilege of learning in her classroom, and I wanted to take the time to recognize the extraordinary work she does.”
When Elder got the Staff Shout Out she was floored. It was unexpected. A tough moment turned into a triumph and a thank you.
“It blew me away. This time of year, it was kind of my little pick me up. The fact that she took the time to write that that was a big thing. It made my day for sure,” said Elder. “It was nice to kind of have confirmation that the kids aren’t only just picking up the content, but they are picking up a little bit of how we should act and behave. Some days aren’t always the best days for us. Even I have bad days. It’s okay to have a bad day, but we can figure out how we react as well. I want this to always be a safe space for my kids, no matter what they’re going through.”
Our teachers have an incredible impact on our students every day. They are teachers, counselors, coaches and mentors. If you want to thank them for making a difference in your life or your child’s, we’ve made it easy. Send any NEISD staff member a Staff Shout Out today!
