Educator of the Week: Jordan Crook
It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Jordan Crook is a 9th grade English teacher and mock trial advisor at Haywood High School.
“My favorite part of teaching is getting to see the kids grow and evolve throughout the years,” Crook said. “I love teaching freshmen and getting to see all four years, how they just get better as they go.”
Crook highlights the importance of the Hope Scholarship.
“The Hope actually means a lot to me, because I used the Hope Scholarship myself when going through college, and then it also means a lot for our school, because it just has that extra help there to help with any financial burdens that can be possibly happening that can hold a kid back, and it allows them that chance to still have that step in the right direction for that post-secondary.”
When it comes to teaching style, Crook focuses on relationship with students.
“Making sure to have that connection there so that, one, I can understand them and who they are and like, what drives them but also I can notice their struggles a little bit easier and my room is set up that way, in groups, where I am able to really, like, take time with each group to move around and see, like, where the struggles are and meet them where they need to be and the groups also help with peer teaching, where they’re able to bounce ideas off each other as well.”
Crook shares her biggest piece of advice to future educators.
“Make sure that you have your people. Make sure you have people that are there to back you up, to help pick you up whenever you fall, to stand there beside you whenever you need them to. Just making sure you have that support system there so things don’t feel so overwhelming and then also to make sure that, you know, bad days doesn’t mean a bad year. You know, just because the kids are wild one day doesn’t mean that they didn’t learn anything, you know. That you could still make an important impact on them even on the days that feel hard and challenging.”
Crook is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.
To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.
To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.
