Staff Spotlight, Jennifer Sewell,
Site Coordinator for Mohawk Trails Elementary School

Education: B.S., Ball State University
Experience: Kindergarten teacher and after-school coordinator in Castleton

Q: Where did you grow up?
A:  I grew up on the southside of Indianapolis.

Q: What elementary school did you attend?
A:  Burkhart Elementary School

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from elementary school?
A:  My teachers in elementary school were the best!  My second grade teacher, Mrs. Wagahoff, is one of the reasons I decided to study elementary education in college.

Q: What was your favorite subject in elementary school and why?
A:  My favorite subject in school was history because I have always been fascinated by how past events affect the future. If we don’t learn from our mistakes, then we are doomed to repeat them.

Q: Why did you decide to study education in college or enter this field?
A: Studying education in college seemed like a perfect fit for me because I love kids! I participated in a cadet teaching experience in high school that influenced my decision to become a teacher.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The kids and families at Mohawk Trails are wonderful. I have never worked with such an intelligent, well-behaved group of students. I also like how involved the parents are in their children’s lives.

Q: What unique skills/talents do you apply to your job?
A:  As with any job working with kids, patience is a character trait I apply everyday. As for talents, I try to bring my artistic skills to the program as well.

Q: How do you handle a "bad" day?
A:  I handle a bad day by going home, hanging out with friends and family, and watching a funny movie. Laughter always makes my bad days better. 

Q: What do you hope your ESE participants take away from the program?
A: Aside from providing a safe, secure environment, the main goal of my program is for students to just have fun. I hope my students leave the program each day saying, “I had a blast at ESE today!” 

Q: How is ESE making a positive impact?
A: Providing a safe, positive environment for students after school is important for the community.   This program is really neat because of the clubs we provide for the students.

Q: Favorite quote/saying:
A:   “Kites rise highest against the wind.” –Winston Churchill