What do Kate DiCamillo, JK Rowling, and Eric Carle have in common? They are children’s and young adult author favorites of Jen Franklin, our reading specialist at Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free public charter school serving K-8 grades. We love having Jen’s guidance as our students enter and engage in the astonishing world of reading. Read on about this amazing “word teacher”.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at Innovations Academy.
I started teaching first grade at Innovations Academy when my oldest child was in the 6th grade here; he just graduated from University of California San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Computer Science, so that gives you an idea of how long I’ve been around. My second child also attended IA, and she is now a thriving Biology major at University of California Santa Barbara. Prior to coming back to work, I was a stay at home mom who kept myself very busy as a parent volunteer.
I am originally from Virginia where I got my Bachelor of Science in English and my Masters in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I currently have my English Language Learner and Reading Authorizations on my teaching credential. Six years ago, I began my passion project of studying how to teach people to read, and I got my Dyslexia Therapist Certificate.
What is your role at Innovations Academy? What’s the best part about it?
I am the Reading Specialist at Innovations Academy, though I really like the name one of my students chose for me last year: The Word Teacher! This year, I look forward to continuing individual and small group reading sessions with identified students as well as working collaboratively with elementary teachers to teach reading groups in classrooms. I am passionate about the importance of teaching ALL children to read, and I truly believe that literacy is a civil right!
The best part about working at IA is the opportunity to work with families and students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs.
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy- what sets it apart from other schools?
I have learned by being a parent of two students who went through this school that what sets this school apart is the individualization that students receive. Teachers honor students and their needs and try to provide the education that each one needs.
What activities are you involved in at Innovations Academy?
I have participated in summer reading tutoring for two years. We offered individualized reading tutoring three days a week for students who needed explicit instruction. This year, as we further our literacy initiative, I am happy to be organizing a One School, One Book program that we hope will ignite the love of reading in all of our community members.
How do you help students powerfully create their lives?
Reading is the key to learning, and learning is the key to powerfully pursuing one’s dreams. I give students the foundational skills they need to become independent readers. This will open up a world of opportunities for them.
There are great Social Emotional Learning activities/opportunities at Innovations Academy- can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action?
A few key phrases that I have seen students using at school are “do you need anything?” “I don’t like it when you….” “Can you please do _____ next time?” These phrases empower students to advocate for themselves and not rely on adults to solve their problems. They also figure out how to negotiate with their peers when they are given the basic sentence starters to do so.
What Were Your Favorite Books as a Kid?
My favorite books as a kid were Judy Blume books (Superfudge, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret?). And some from this great list of books!
Fun Facts about Jen
- In my free time, I love reading, watching documentaries with my husband and hiking all over with my sister Jody (who also happens to work at this wonderful school)!
- The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is hiked Mt. Dana (elevation 13,061ft!) in Yosemite.
- I have two black cats that most people can’t tell apart.
- I can tell you the etymology of almost any word.
Our teachers and staff are here to support each and every one of our students- no one slips through the cracks at our small school with big connections! Find out more about Innovations Academy and enroll today!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today!