Read  more  about  jennifer  in  omaha magazine

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My educational philosophy

My main goal is empowerment. Every student must discover something new within themselves. They must understand they have worth, and those things they love have worth. Through lessons about theatre, literature, or creative writing, the student must learn how to advocate for themselves, how to communicate their needs and wants, and how to express their inner-most life.

I've always tried to bring creativity to the classroom. We all learn differently, and I am a die-hard believer that scaffolding our lessons to fit our individual students is an absolute must. Some learn visually, some learn by listening, and others must get out of their seats and interact with the material.

I also believe that in every lesson, we must hit the top of the pyramid and find that elusive Create.  The brain hasn't made a full lap around the track until it has comprehended, analyzed, evaluated, synthesized, and finally created something new.

I also believe a teacher is more than a textbook. A teacher should be there for the students to help them explore. A teacher is an advocate. A teacher must have their heart in the work.

- Jennifer

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most  current  projects

Photo by Tyrone Taylor 2016

Bill Sitzmann 2018

PLAYWRITING RESIDENCY
(THE CIRCLE THEATER/KENNEDY CENTER)
Writer of curriculum and program director.
Read more: Omaha World Herald article

SCRIPT-WRITING RESIDENCY
(CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL AND NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL)
Writer of curriculum and resident teaching artist.

DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS
(OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS AND DCWEST)
Teaching Artist for DCWest Elementary.
Read more: DC Post Gazette article

RMDH AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
(COMPLETELY KIDS AND THE ROSE THEATER)
Bringing an after-school program to Ronald McDonald House in the summer of 2018.
Check out the student-made film: Click here

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experience

Jennifer works with the following non-profit organizations as a teaching artist, focusing in acting, spoken word, playwriting/script-writing, musical theater, slam poetry, and fiction writing.

The Rose Theater
Omaha Performing Arts
Omaha Community Playhouse
Nebraska Writers Collective
The Circle Theater
Nebraska Arts Council

Jennifer also served as Omaha North High School's Drama teacher from 2011-2015, and also served as their Creative Writing Teacher from 2014-2015. She is a licensed teacher in the state of Nebraska and holds an MS in Secondary Education (UNOmaha) and MFA in Creative Writing (Stonecoast).

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How  can  my  students  work  with  Jennifer?

Jennifer is currently based in Omaha and willing to travel.

THE ROSE THEATER:
She is a contract teaching artist and performer at the Omaha Theater Company. For more information on field trips for your classrooms, please check out The Rose's website. Please be aware that Jennifer cannot be requested as your educator for the day, and this link is provided on this page to give you another source for your classroom:
Click here for The Rose website.

NEBRASKA ARTS COUNCIL:
As of 2016, Jennifer is on the NAC Roster for Teaching Artists (Literature). For more information, please see her profile at NAC:
Click here for the NAC profile.





NEBRASKA WRITERS COLLECTIVE:
Jennifer coaches teams at Hartington-Newcastle and Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln. If you are interested in your school joining LTAB or need a writing teaching artist to visit your school, please contact NWC through their website.
Click here for the NWC website.