Educator of the Week: Jennifer Hooker

It’s time to recognize this week’s Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Jennifer Hooker is a second grade teacher at Milan Elementary School in Gibson County.

She started her career at Milan elementary more than 10 years ago. Hooker obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in education at Murray State University.

“I am self-contained. I teach all subjects: reading, language, math, phonics, science and social studies. And I am an inclusion teacher. This is my 14th year in education. I taught third grade for seven years, and then when I came back after staying home with my children, I picked up second grade,” Hooker said.

Hooker said she has always known that she would pursue education as a career, as her personal experiences with her own teachers growing up inspired her to become one herself.

“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. I had my own classroom in my house, I had grade books. I had lots of great teachers in elementary school who really inspired me to be a teacher. My neighbor is my first grade teacher, and her name was Teresa Eubanks, and she was just very special to me,” Hooker said.

Hooker said her favorite part about her job is seeing the kids excited about learning and seeing them enjoy coming to school.

“We have fun every single day. I think that you could look in there any time during the day and our kids are enjoying learning. We have all different kinds of kids in our room. I am an inclusion teacher. We are really good at including everyone,” Hooker said.

Hooker said she loves what she does, and she sees herself teaching another 14 years.

“It’s fun for me. It doesn’t feel like a job. I still enjoy what I’m doing. It’s enjoyable,” Hooker said.

Hooker is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our weekly award, just email us at [email protected].