SPARK Academy’s Teacher of the Year: Jada Durden

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program honors and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession by identifying outstanding classroom teachers at local, district, and state levels. The Teacher of the Year Program is open to any public school classroom teacher, librarian, counselor, or other certified individuals in a K-12 setting. The selection process begins at the school level. What a special honor for these individuals to be selected by their peers.

The Athens City Schools Foundation looks forward to celebrating each Teacher of the Year at the annual ACSF Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet. The District-Level Elementary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) Teacher of the Year will named at this special event. These teachers will then represent Athens City Schools in the Alabama Teacher of the Year state competition.

This is the first installment of Q&As with the eight teachers who have been selected by their peers as Teachers of the Year at Athens City Schools.

Name: Jada Durden

School: SPARK Academy at Cowart

Grade Level(s) You Teach: 2nd Grade

Subjects You Teach: All subjects

Degrees & granting institutions:

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Alabama.

Special Certifications or Training:

LETRS Elementary Mastery

Leader In Me

Ron Clark Academy Professional Development

Where is your hometown? Athens, Ala.

Why did you become a teacher? I was that child who played “teacher” in my playroom at home as a little girl. I was fortunate to have many positive examples throughout my years in school. I do believe each one of them played a huge role in my choice to become a teacher. I want to be a positive light and encouragement to my students now like I had growing up. Looking back, I realize it is not all about the academics, but relationships play a huge role in my job every day. I may not remember every assignment or project I did in school, but I do remember some of the relationships I had with my teachers and I think that is just as important.I truly cannot think of any other profession I would prefer to be in. Also, being a teacher is very conducive to family life and I honestly love having the summers to spend with my kids.

How many years have you been a teacher? This is my 12th year teaching.

How many years have you been with Athens City Schools? This is my fourth year with Athens City Schools.

The best part of my day is: The best part of my day is our morning meeting time. It is a time to check in and build relationships. We do a morning check in where we talk about how we feel each morning. We also do a question of the day where students get to share out. I love this because it is truly a time every morning where I learn something new about my students. We also do a “think about it” time where we discuss a short video that focuses on a SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) topic. These few minutes may be short but they are powerful. SEL time helps us learn different social and emotional related skills and behaviors that will help us successfully manage our everyday life.

Who has been your greatest source of inspiration? My family is a big inspiration for me. They are the ones who motivate me and support me each and every day. The teachers I’ve worked with in the past and especially the teachers I work with now inspire me every day. Education is always changing and it is encouraging to have a team who is always there no matter what and motivates me to keep on going.

I hope to inspire my students: Creating a safe place where they feel they can come to each day to be loved and inspired to learn all they can.

What advice would you like to share with new teachers? I would encourage new teachers to lean on their teammates and not be afraid to ask for help. I would also encourage new (and even experienced) teachers to take care of yourself. We cannot pour from an empty cup.

What is your greatest hope for your students? I hope each one knows they are loved, they can trust me and our classroom is a safe place. I also hope I give them the confidence to believe they can accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves.

Tell me about your family. My husband is Caleb Durden and we have three children, Gunner (8), Greta (5) and Gracee (6 months).

What are your hobbies, interests or other things you like to do as an individual or as a family? In my time outside of school, I love to read, go fishing, and I love planning trips especially to Disney.

Favorite quote: “Raise your words, not your voice. For it is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

It is the season of Thanksgiving. For what are you most grateful? I am most grateful for my family and friends. I am also thankful for a job where I get to make a positive impact each day.

Anything else you would like to add? I am honored to be SPARK Academy at Cowart’s Teacher of the Year. I am so thankful to my wonderful co-workers. Thank you!