Teacher Targets Blog

Asia Cornelius, Eastside Elementary
December 2, 2025

Over the years, I’ve discovered that building relationships with students is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about getting them where they need to be academically; it’s about creating an environment where they feel seen, safe, and connected.

Jeanita Jefferson, Commander (retired), CG JROTC
November 18, 2025

After 22 years of coordinating search and rescue missions, managing emergency operations, and leading multi-agency security efforts, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about authority—it’s about connection.

Elliot Rimmer, Girls Soccer, CHS
November 11, 2025

Leadership is not about demanding that others go where you think that they should go; it’s about uplifting the vision of others to see they are capable of going farther than they ever believed, and recognizing most importantly that if we go together, we are stronger for it.

Natalie Nguyen, Kindergarten, Clinton Park
November 4, 2025

Growing up as a minority student was difficult for me without any strong role models who represented me. Representation is so important, especially at a young age. Representation in a general education classroom is vital because it builds my ESL students' confidence, exposes my remaining students to different cultures, and encourages them to learn to love and accept them. 

Connor Hart, Science, CJHS
October 28, 2025

When teachers foster positive, supportive connections with their students, they create a foundation for greater learning and engagement.

Carlos Day, 3rd Grade, Northside
October 20, 2025

During those formative years of schooling, do you recall your answer to what you wanted to do when you grew up? This question was asked often by numerous people to start the thought process of your future.

Joshua Luckett, Boys Basketball, CHS
October 14, 2025

The Arrow Hoops Preview idea came from experiences at my previous school. It was always such a fun and memorable basketball season tipoff, and I thought, “Why not bring it here to Clinton High School?” Our “Meet the Arrows” night is already a premiere event, but I wanted to elevate new efforts for the Clinton Arrows Basketball Program.

Kenya Rafferty, 5th Grade, Eastside
September 23, 2025

Being a parent changes everything. Finitely considering how my children are educated changes even more. The goal is to be ever flexible, ever growing, ever seeking new ways to engage the students of this generation with love, grace, and boundaries. 

Andrew Jones, AP History, Sumner Hill
September 16, 2025

Getting involved has never been about just checking a box. Getting involved has really helped me feel like I’m making a difference in ways that go beyond academics. I truly get to see the best in the students that take part in those clubs. 

Letitie Griffin, 1st Grade, Clinton Park Elementary
September 9, 2025

I’ve learned that attending after school activities of my students helps me build a better connection with them. It unlocks a whole new level of trust which builds a safe space for students to proudly share exciting news.

Will Harvey, Social Studies, CJHS
September 2, 2025

If your first year is going anything like my first year did, you are now all out of ideas, time, and energy. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me after I’d gotten past the first 2 months of my first year.

Kimberly Poe, Career & Technical Education, CHS
August 26, 2025

Not every student goes to college, and that’s okay! CTE programs afford our students real-world problem-solving opportunities they might not get at school otherwise.

Jo Purvis, Clinton High School
August 19, 2025

There will always be things you can’t control.Some of my best memories are those that happened during unexpected times when adjustments were made. So, I encourage you to be open to making adjustments when needed and see if there are ways you can make the good things even better.

Emma Johnson, Clinton Junior High School
August 12, 2025

During the first two weeks of school, I structure my classroom and lessons where students can discover that it is okay to make mistakes. That is how we learn. By using data to build a foundation, the plan for the school year is in place before a single student walks into my classroom and helps drive their instruction throughout the year. 

Jessica Crawley, Northside Elementary
August 5, 2025

Background knowledge is more than a quick preview before a read-aloud. It’s foundational for learning across subjects and grade levels. When students have knowledge about a topic, they’re more likely to understand and retain what they read.

By Jessica Cline, Lovett Elementary
July 29, 2025

Students can’t do their best academically if their emotions are out of control. Research shows that when students feel emotionally supported and behavior expectations are clear, they’re more focused, engaged, and motivated to learn.

By Meredith Jierski, Northside Elementary
July 22, 2025

I’ve learned that starting the year by explicitly modeling organization pays off tremendously. Many students don’t naturally know how to keep themselves organized, so it’s our job to teach them.