Teacher Feature
Mrs. Jennifer Senter
Upper School Science Teacher Department Coordinator
What do you teach at The Donoho School?
I teach Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, Physical Science, and Honors Forensic science to 10th-12th graders.
What was your motivation for becoming a teacher?
I didn’t know I wanted to be a teacher until my senior year of college. I realized then that I felt such passion when I was helping my classmates understand something, and that I might have a gift in explaining difficult concepts in a way that people could understand. I still love those “light bulb moments” when students get something they’ve struggled with or learn a new way that science connects to their everyday lives!
What is a unique experience, talent, or interest that you bring to your classroom to help shape the learning experience of your students?
Even though I teach science and love it, I also have a passion for the arts. I really enjoy singing, acting, and playing the piano. While I don’t do those things in my classroom on a regular basis, these skills allow me to appreciate the artistic endeavors of my students and to link science and the arts.
What do you want your students to gain from having known you?
I want my students to gain an appreciation and understanding of the natural world around them. I also want them to learn how to discipline and organize themselves and their time so that they can reach their full potential. I talk a lot to my students about how important it is to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, whether you want to do it or not. As I remind them (and myself), “Future you will thank you!”
If someone were to observe your classroom on any given day, what would they see?
Because I teach several different courses, every day and every class period is different. However, an observer would see students engaged with science, either through listening and discussion or through hands-on exploration. They might see a mock crime scene being processed, ions being tested in a flame, or toy cars rolling through a timer. They would certainly see an environment of mutual respect, where we all work together to maximize learning.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in 13 years of teaching?
Students want to be heard and known, and they want to know what to expect. A little grace goes a long way in developing a healthy student-teacher relationship that provides the best environment for learning.
How were you selected to present at the Alabama Science Teachers Association Annual Conference?
I submitted a proposal in April of this year, and I learned in September that my proposal had been chosen for presentation. It was a really exciting opportunity for me to share some of the things I’ve used successfully in my classroom with other science teachers, and I hope to do it again!
