(by Don Meador, Allen County Schools)
A well-traveled veteran educator has started her new role as a District Math Coach. Jennifer Tatum will be working with Allen County teachers and students at the elementary level.
“I began teaching third grade in Atlanta,” Tatum explained. “We moved to Florida for my husband to attend law school, and I taught first grade for two years and fifth grade for two years. I took a break from the classroom when my boys were born, but had the opportunity to continue teaching at a hospital. I taught health and safety classes, CPR and First Aid. I returned to the classroom in 2011 as a preschool teacher. We moved to Michigan in 2014, where I had the opportunity to serve a cognitively impaired classroom and autism classroom. In 2016, I developed a STEM program in a primary building first in a creative arts role then as a first grade classroom teacher. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to team teach in fifth grade as a dedicated Math and Science teacher as well as run a video news production club. Finally, we relocated to Kentucky in 2019, and I taught first grade in Warren County the past two years. I am so excited about my role as a district math coach in Allen County. I feel very blessed with this opportunity.”
Her path into the educational field stemmed from her love for kids.
“I wanted to be a teacher because I love working with students,” Tatum said. “I am passionate about watching students try new things, problem solve, and create. My favorite part is getting in the trenches with my students as they struggle and work together to learn and grow.”
Tatum hopes to share with students and the educators her love for learning.
“It is my mission to instill a love for learning in my students,” Tatum explained. “I attempt to teach with a passion for my subject so that my students develop a desire to become life-long learners.”
Away from the school environment, Tatum enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys many family-related activities.
“I am married to my wonderful husband Chad,” Tatum noted. “We have two boys. Jack is a junior and Grant is a freshman. I have three pets, a cat named Lola, a dachshund named Charlie, and a golden doodle named Bo. In my free time I love to read, travel with my boys’ sports teams (lacrosse and soccer), swim, play games, and cook.”
Tatum will work with students and teachers at the Allen County Intermediate Center and Allen County Primary Center.