(Jackson, Mn.)– A teacher at Jackson County Central has received special recognition from her peers. Scarlett Pronk has been named JCC’s Teacher Of The Year. Pronk teaches 7th grade English and Writing and serves as an assistant golf coach…
“I was honestly taken by surprise when I heard that. They came into my room one morning, said it over the announcements and I was pretty surprised. I knew I had been nominated but I never thought I’d actually be selected because we have so many talented teachers in our district.”
Pronk has been in education now nearly eight years…
“I earned my English Education Degree from South Dakota State in 2017 and I ended up here. That’s where the interviews and the opening took me at the time.”
Pronk says English was her favorite class in school growing up…
“English was the class always growing up that made me feel excited to learn and I was strong at. I hope to create kind of the same feeling for my own students while trying to be a positive influence in their lives at the same time.”
She also tells us what her philosophy is in the classroom…
“I try to create a space where students feel safe to ask questions and be themselves. I’m pretty big on consistency and clear expectations but I want my room to feel welcoming and supportive and the sense of community here at JCC is great. The students and families and staff truly care about each other and it seems like everyone’s working towards the same goal of helping kids.”
Pronk says she continuously looks forward to continuing to grow professionally and that she enjoys the challenge of exploring new ways to support students and to assist them in developing skills they’ll carry with them the rest of their lives.
