Meet Jen Waldeck, who teaches in the fifth grade Intensive Literacy Program (ILP). Jen and her husband Mark are the parents of Lyle and Kendall.
Q: What drew you to Fenn fourteen years ago?
A: I had just finished my master’s program at Lesley University in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts. I was searching for a school whose mission was to help students access academic information in creative and forward-thinking ways. I had always worked with students who felt that the traditional way of learning wasn’t allowing them to reach their full potential, but I had never found a school that valued integration of the arts the way that Fenn does. I was also captivated by the idea of a boys’ school and all of the opportunities it provided for me to examine and adapt my teaching style so I could best reach the students. I considered it as close of a perfect match as I’d ever seen. I’m so glad that Fenn felt the same way.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching here?
A: The time has flown and now I see why teachers stay here. I love the friendly community feel of Fenn. I treasure the collegiality of the faculty and staff and appreciate that the boys form their own bonds of friendship through their academic classes, daily time on the sports fields, and time each day spent together in some kind of arts class.
Q: What do you hope boys will come away with after being in your class?
A: I hope they have a newfound sense of confidence in their ability to learn. It’s important for them to get to know themselves as contributing members of the community and to feel comfortable with themselves as learners.
Q: Do you participate in a committee or other school-wide effort, and if so, why is this work so important to you?
A: I have been involved in various professional groups involved in learning about best practice in teaching boys about loving to read and write. I also feel fortunate for the opportunity to be part of the Lower School community service program.
Q: What are your passions/interests outside of teaching?
A: I am always thrilled to get the chance to read, especially while visiting places such as Moody Beach in Maine, and Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire. I love going to art museums when I am in a new city, hiking with my family, and traveling to new places.