Jenna Sinner teaches high school science at Webster Area School District. She has been teaching for 15 years.

What made you decide to become a teacher?
I’ve always liked school, and science is something I was always interested in. I had a high school chemistry teacher who really inspired me to want to be a teacher. He was caring, but still able to reach us academically. He had good rigor in his classes, and I really responded to that.

What’s the best part of teaching?
One of the best things is when former students come back to tell you that you helped them, and in some way shaped what they are doing now, as an adult.

What’s the most challenging part of teaching?
Trying to reach the tough kids is challenging and can be disheartening. But as long as you keep trying and keep showing up, then you’re going to make a difference. It’s difficult, and it takes time, but with those students, sticking with it can bring them around.

What’s the most useful advice you can give to a new teacher who is just starting out?
I would tell a new teacher just to take one day at a time, and to always look for little successes. Not every day is going to be a good day, and that’s okay. You may not realize the impact you had on a student until years later, and that’s the most rewarding part.

What do you think teaching will look like in 15 years?
We are definitely going to have to adapt to new technology and be able to use it in the classroom. That’s going to be really important. That’s what our students will have access to when they’re done with school.

Do you have any, “it’s weird but it works” teaching strategies?
Building relationships with the students is the number one trick to having a successful classroom environment. Once you’ve established that relationship, academics fall in line behind that.

What are some specific ways to do that?
Greeting them at the door at the beginning of class, using their first name. Being available so that if they need you, they know where to find you.