Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

EDITOR’S NOTE: The LaGrange Daily News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Troup County School System. Today, we are writing about Arlexia Jennings, a Fifth Grade English Language Arts Teacher at Callaway Elementary School. We asked her 20 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

Arlexia Jennings has worked in education for 15 years, three years as a paraprofessional and 12 years as a teacher. She has been at Callaway Elementary since 2008. Her whole education career has been in the Troup County School System.

Arlexia and her husband, Efram, have been married for 23 years. Efram works at Southstate Bank and is the Assistant Pastor at Faith Temple Church. The have two children, who went to all three Callaway Schools. Angel graduated in 2020 from CHS and will be graduating from University of West Georgia in May. Drecorius graduated in 2022 from CHS and is currently a junior at University of West Georgia.

Jennings is the director of the Callaway Elementary Chorus and one of the Associate Pastors at Faith Temple Church, where she serves as the Minister of Music.

What or who inspired you to become an educator?

“Mrs. Debra Dunn inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. She had a unique ability to connect with her students in a way no other teacher could. Teaching wasn’t just a job for her; it was a true passion. Her genuine love and dedication to her students inspired me to bring that same level of care and commitment to my own students.”

What are your career aspirations? 

“In the future, I aspire to become a media specialist, combining my passion for reading and technology. This career allows me to bring together both interests while fostering a love for learning and innovation as a librarian.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in? 

“If I weren’t in the teaching field, I would pursue a career as a vocalist. I’d love the opportunity to perform in various settings, like jazz lounges, cruise ships, and other unique venues.”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise your students and our readers?

“I can play the drums and dabble a bit on the piano!”

What fictional character (from a book, movie, TV show, etc.) represents your teaching style?

“I would say the fictional character who represents my teaching style would be Sister Mary Clarence from the movie Sister Act! She brings energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to her role. I believe I also bring that same style in my classroom. I try to incorporate lessons that are engaging and hands-on as she did with her students in the role she played.”

What’s the most creative/unique project one of your classes has worked on?

“About five years ago, I collaborated with my 2nd-grade colleague, Mr. Matthew Karr, to create an engaging lesson on identifying text features in nonfiction texts. We transformed the classroom into an operating room, complete with group stations where students worked on paper “body figures” labeled with specific text features. The students used nonfiction articles to identify and “operate” on the text features they were searching for.”

“The activity originated from The Teacher Bowtique on TPT. The teachers and each student dressed as a surgeon with a gown, gloves, and surgical mask. We added our own spend to it by playing heart monitor sound effects in the background for added atmosphere. The challenge was for students to “save their patient” by successfully completing the task.”

“The result was a highly engaging and memorable experience. The students had a fantastic time learning about text features and stayed focused and excited throughout the lesson.”

If you could invite any historical figure to speak to your class, who would you choose and why?

“If I could invite any historical figure to speak to my class, it would be Jesus Christ. He exemplifies the highest qualities of kindness, love, gentleness, forgiveness, and a deep passion for others. Having him speak would offer students a profound understanding of how to live with purpose, empathy, and integrity, both in the classroom and beyond. His teachings would not only inspire academic excellence but also guide students in developing strong moral values and a compassionate outlook on life.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“The most rewarding part of my job is being with the kids. Helping them discover new things truly brightens my day. Each year of my teaching career continues to be more fulfilling than the last.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“As teachers, we wear many hats, which can be overwhelming, especially when it takes time away from our personal lives. However, I’m grateful to be part of an amazing team that collaborates effectively to get the job done.”

What’s the most unusual excuse a student has given you for not completing their homework? 

“Most of my students give basic excuses for not turning in their homework, such as saying they had a game last night, forgot it at home, or lost it.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“It is an honor to be named teacher of the year for my school especially since I didn’t see it come. I just see myself as a regular person who loves teaching, but I am grateful that my school sees me as more. “

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“When I have a day to myself, I enjoy working on my crafts, shopping, reading, watching movies, or just hanging out with my family.”

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class? 

“One key takeaway I hope my students carry forward is that no matter how challenging life may become, they have the ability to learn anything if they put their minds to it. I want them to understand that learning is a lifelong journey, and by remaining curious and open-minded, they can continue to grow and discover new opportunities, no matter where life leads them.”