Story by Jen Jordan / February 1, 2024
At which Meeting Street School do you teach?
Brentwood
When and why did you decide to be a teacher?
In 2016 I decided to become a teacher due to a lack of “tough love teaching” in education today. I define “tough love teaching” as a teacher who doesn’t lower the bar, but leads with love and understanding. There are a lot of kiddos who deal with unfortunate factors outside of school that contribute to their lack of attention, or what may seem like a lack of care for their education. These scholars don’t need another person coming down on them. They need to feel seen and understood. They need to know someone cares for them enough to hold the bar high and show them some grace. This is something I’m passionate about and has encouraged me to do this hard work.
Where did you go to school?
Grand Canyon University
Where did you do your student teaching and what did you take away from that experience?
Brentwood
How did you decide which school you would teach at after graduating?
I was blessed to not have to make that decision because although my teaching foundation didn’t start here, it was sharpened here and sharpened well.
Which school(s) did you teach at before coming to Meeting Street Schools?
Arizona Autism Charter school
How did you find out about Meeting Street Schools?
I went on indeed, and Meeting Street School was the first school to pop up. Therefore, I applied.
What was your first impression/experience at Meeting Street Schools?
My first experience here was great. The leadership here saw my potential and was willing to invest in it.
What makes Meeting Street Schools different, and/or why did you decide to work for Meeting Street Schools, and what keeps you here?
From the time I read their mission statement online and did some research about them, I knew this was the only place I wanted to work. Here at MSS, you have the opportunity to work your way up the ladder if that’s your heart’s desire. MSS provided an immediate sense that I could fulfill my dreams.
What is your current position at Meeting Street Schools? Describe the journey from first starting at MSS to where you are now.
Dean of Culture. I started here as a Special Education 1-on-1 teacher’s assistant. Due to the growth of my 1-on-1 student, I moved to support students 1-on-1 in multiple classes and grade levels. From there, I was asked to pull a small group of two young men who needed some extra love and support to complete their math work. Next, I was given the opportunity to teach Read 180 while attending the PACE program for Special Education. I then became the Grade Level Chair for 7th grade while simultaneously being responsible for delivering SEL instruction for multiple special education students. I was also responsible for ensuring that all BIPs were completely updated and being followed with fidelity in Middle.
What career goals are you still working towards?
I’m currently working to earn my BCBA.
Join a community of incredible, passionate people working to change the lives of our students. Our compensation and benefits are a cut above the rest: the most competitive total compensation in the region.
Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), and MS-Jasper & Beaufort (Jasper, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
MSA Spartanburg stands as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. MSA Spartanburg is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
MS Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this school is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, MS Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. MS Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the MSS network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, MS Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at MS Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. MS Burns exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, MS Burns is forging a new path in public education.
MS Jasper represents the Meeting Street Schools’ dedication to community-based education with a global perspective. The school provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential and cultivate a love for learning. With its diverse programs such as Eureka Math, and Wit and Wisdom, MS Jasper puts a major emphasis on character development, specialized learning and equips students to become thoughtful, engaged members of society, reflecting the MSS ethos of empowerment through education.
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
Meeting Street Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national or ethnic in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
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