During the month of September, we will be featuring each of the school superintendent s in Marion County, asking them each the same set of questions. We are using this as an opportunity to share their passion for education and their schools, as well as a little glimpse as individuals. Today, we visit with Jennifer Adams, the Pleasant Local Schools Superintendent. We are thrilled you are MarionMade!
What made you want to be in education?
The earliest I remember knowing I wanted to be a teacher was when I was in 3rd grade. I had a teacher by the name of Mrs. Francis Davis. She made learning fun. She challenged and encouraged us to investigate things we were interested in. She sparked our curiosity and invited us to pose questions about items in our environment. She truly embraced learning! As I look back, she modeled the real purpose of school, which is to create life-long learners.
How long how you been in the education field? How long in Marion County?
I am beginning my 31st year in education. Twenty-two of these years have been in Marion County. I began teaching in 1987, became an elementary principal in 2004, and a high school principal in 2009. In 2010, I left Marion County and continued my experience as a high school principal in Hilliard City Schools. Prior to taking the Superintendent role at Pleasant Local Schools, I was the Director of Elementary for Hilliard City Schools.
What was your favorite subject in school and why?
My favorite subject was reading. I loved imaging what the characters and setting looked like. Books have the ability to take you to far away places. They foster a spirit of imagination and have the ability to evoke emotion. To this day, I reward myself by reading a great novel!
What is your favorite book to reread and why?
This is a tough question. There are so many great books to choose from. I keep a pile of books by my bedside. I typically have 3-5 books going at a time. I start each day with a devotional and journal about how I expect to use the teaching as I walk through my day. Because of this I’d have to say my devotional books are the most reread books I own. Depending upon what is happening in my life the devotional will touch my heart differently; therefore rereading always brings about a new experience.
What do you believe are important skills to help a student be successful in school?
Without question, my hope is to instill a growth mindset in all of our students. Successful people have to be able to adapt and adjust. The world is always changing. As a result the world needs people who are learners, have a desire to contribute to society by focusing on solutions, and aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone to challenge the status quo.
If you had 3 wishes for your students this year in school, what would you wish?
I would wish that all of our students experience a sense of belonging, are challenged to follow their passions, and are able to articulate their strengths.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
I’m a grandma! However, everyone who comes in contact with me knows this. It’s the best! Thus, I couldn’t resist publically shouting this great news! Conversely, something most people don’t know about me is that I secretly want to be a Doo-Wop Girl. I began taking dance when I was 3 years old, continued into college, and taught dance for several years. I truly miss learning new dances and think it would be so much fun to be a Doo-Wop Girl for a musical group.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing with MarionMade!
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