Outstanding Educator: Hamilton Elementary has a garden tender in Jenn Speckeen

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Jenn Speckeen has been a Title I teacher at Hamilton SOTA I Elementary for ten years. She says that seeing students’ growth throughout the school year is what got her interested in teaching. “When I came back to teaching after having my own children and staying home with them, I taught first grade. Then I got my reading license because I really get to make a difference with the kids. I get to work in small groups all day long and see the growth one-on-one.”

Speckeen also hosts morning meetings and closing circles. They allow parents to meet with the school and each other and see what their children are learning. “It’s so important that we have the parents on board and on our team with learning. The more that we can bring them into the school, and they can see what we’re doing and the communication between the parents and the teachers, the better the relationship with the parents.”...