LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Harding

Position: Math Teacher
School: Excelsior Springs High School
School District: Excelsior Springs School District
City, State: Excelsior Springs, MO

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Jennifer Harding was nominated anonymously.

Mrs. Harding shows up each day with authenticity, optimism, and determination for her students and colleagues. As students enter her room, she greets them with genuine care and always has a quirky joke or thought to share. As a high school math teacher, teaching learners at the Pre-Algebra and Advanced Algebra 2 levels, she always begins by cultivating the belief in her students that they are capable. Her classroom environment is one where thinking comes alive. You can always find her students immersed in math conversations and problem-solving. She has this magical way of getting even the most reluctant learner to try things; before you know it, they are building on that success repeatedly.

Mrs. Harding's commitment to her students is unwavering. She sees them as individuals first and foremost, making them feel valued and appreciated. It's not unusual to find her working with a student before or after school, providing that extra bit of help that makes the learning click. Mrs. Harding is a lifelong learner, constantly reflecting on her teaching practice and how to best meet the needs of her students. She actively seeks out best practices, incorporates them into her teaching, and evaluates their effectiveness. When she discovers practices that work, she is always eager to share with colleagues and provide support to help others try new instructional methods. Her genuine curiosity is contagious, and her humility is truly admirable.

Mrs. Harding makes the entire school a better place with her playful demeanor, whether rocking a fun t-shirt, participating enthusiastically on school spirit days, or playing in the annual staff/student basketball game. Every week, she organizes a 'snaps' email that goes to staff and is a way for everyone to give shout-outs to colleagues. Every week, dozens of staff members enter their weekend on a celebratory note because of the time she devotes to this routine. Mrs. Harding is always willing to lend a helping hand or provide encouragement. She is so incredibly kind and selfless.

"As a leader on the Building Leadership Team and Professional Development Committee, Mrs. Harding devotes extra time and expertise to support the overall vision and mission of our school. She gives thoughtful consideration to issues impacting our students and always suggests solutions that can help improve the circumstances. She is courageous in bringing up topics that need to be discussed, but always strives to do so with professionalism and in a productive way. Her leadership makes our school and district a better place," said her nominator.

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Comments (3)

Ivy Vine Posted over a year ago

I've been blessed to know Jennifer since Kindergarten. I was classmates with her during grade school, middle school and I stood beside her on graduation day as we turned our tassels. Jennifer has always been a dedicated and loyal friend. She knew as soon as she started her college education that she was ready to teach and watching her reach and achieve her dreams isn't only a privilege, but a source of inspiration for those around her. Mrs. Jennifer Harding not only pours out support to her family and friends, but every day in her classroom. I love hearing about her former students and their great success. I can personally attest to the fact that she worries about her students inside and out of the classroom. She cares not only about their academics, but also about who each student is as a human being. Jennifer is also a dedicated wife, mom, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She works hard to wear all the "hats" and does so with grace. I'm so proud to know her and brag about this wonderful teacher I know. Teaching not only mathematics, but the fact that learning never stops, no matter the phase of life.

Kelly Anderson Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Harding was instrumental in helping my son, who does best with hands on learning and gifted with mechanical skills, make it through high school and his associates degree. She understood that sit still, listen, read & write was not his learning style. She also recognized that he felt he was not smart because of this. She used interventions like creative seating, flexible grouping, applying math to his interests, her sense of humor and so much more to build a trusting relationship and increase his focus, confidence and success. She even helped him in his academic math classes at his technical college. The fact that he emailed her for help, shows that he knew she cared. She is the kind of teacher who does what it takes and can reach those kids who struggle and make them successful. She definitely changed my son’s life. He finished his diesel technician associates with honors and had a job a full semester before he graduated. I can only imagine how many other students’ lives she has changed.

Bethany Misner Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Harding has always went above and beyond for her students. She dedicates extra time into making sure each individual student understands a topic before moving on. Not only is she a great teacher but she also cares for the wellbeing of her students and will not hesitate to check on them. Her positive attitude and fun energy keeps students engaged and helps create a safe and fun learning environment for all of her students.