Jenna Fisher

Jennifer Fisher - Professional Biography

Educational Preparation

· B.S. in Music Education/Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

· M.A. in Music Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

· Certificate in World Music Drumming from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

· Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education from Converse College, Spartanburg, SC

· Certificate in Music Therapy from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN

· M.A. in Education/Administration and Supervision from University of Phoenix, AR

Current Teaching Position

· Music Specialist K-5

· 3 Years in Current Position

Years of Experience

· 25 Years Total:

o Greater Works Academy – 1995-1997

o NorthWind’s Music Studio – 1995-2005

o Pittsburgh Public Schools – 1999-2005

o Beaufort County School District – 2005-2009

o Savannah-Chatham County School District – 2009-2010

o Department of Defense Education Activity – 2010-2012

o Allendale-Fairfax School District – 2012-2013

o Thomas Heyward Academy – 2013-2015

o Rabinowitz Music Academy – 2014-Current

o Beaufort County School District – 2017-Current

What factors influenced you to become a teacher?

My mother, who ran a federally funded and licensed daycare program in our home, is an example of an ideal teacher. As a young child, I grew up around children of all ages and backgrounds, and often assisted my mother with her daycare program.

My elementary music teacher was a huge influence in my life. By the time I finished second grade I knew that I wanted to be just like my music teacher, Mrs. Marlene Rushmore. I wanted to teach children to love music just as much as I did, and that never wavered.

Greatest Contributions in Education

I was fortunate enough to be one of the ten recipients of a million-dollar grant project to improve the ten lowest performing schools in the Pittsburgh area. This 3-year program, sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, paid for numerous things such as:

· A state-of-the-art keyboard lab

· An entire classroom set of world music drumming equipment

· A brand-new portable sound system

· Brought in various well-known industry artists who team taught with me/side by side

· Educational training workshops in both Dalcroze Eurhythmics and World Music Drumming

· Study abroad in Ghana, Africa with world renown ethnomusicologist, composer, and “Master Drummer” Sowah Mensah

This unbelievable experience was the catalyst as to why I’ve spent my entire career educating at-risk youth.

Greatest Accomplishments in Education

Awards

· Rookie Teacher of the Year 1999 – Miller African Centered Academy, Pittsburgh Public Schools

· Rookie Teacher of the Year 2010 – Groves High School/Savannah Chatham County School District

· SCISA Superior Ratings for Band and Percussion Ensemble 2014 – Thomas Heyward Academy/South Carolina Independent School Association

Noteworthy Performances

· Director of Northwind’s Flute Choir – High Profile Performances, East Room, White House – 1999, 2001, 2004

o My students were chosen out of thousands of applicants to perform at the White House for two separate Presidents of the United States, and did such a great job, they were asked back to perform multiple times.

· Director of James J Davis Elementary Honors Choir – High Profile Performances at the Annual SC School Board Association Conference – James J Davis Elementary School/Beaufort County School District - 2008, 2009

o My students were chosen out of hundreds of other applicants to perform for the State Superintendents Conference in Hilton Head, SC and did such a good job that they were asked to come back and perform in the Spring for the Myrtle Beach State Superintendents Conference.

· SCMEA All State Student Participant – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District – 2020

Grants

· Urban Music Education Project Grant Award Recipient – 2000 - Carnegie Mellon University

o Funds purchased a state-of-the-art keyboard lab, portable sound system, and a class set of World Music Percussion Equipment, educational training, and studying abroad

· South Carolina Arts Commission Community Arts Grant Award Recipient – 2007 – James J Davis Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Used to enrich student learning by bringing in Artists in Residence through Arts Integration

· Wal-Mart Community Arts Grant Award Recipient – 2008 – James J Davis Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Funds used for my students to travel to Myrtle Beach to perform for the State Superintendent Conference in Myrtle Beach

· Lowes Community Arts Grant Award Recipient – 2012 – Allendale-Fairfax Middle School/Allendale Fairfax School District

o Funds used to develop a Recycled Percussion Ensemble for community performances

· Palmetto Electric Bright Ideas Grant Award Recipient – 2013 – Thomas Heyward Academy/South Carolina Independent School Association

o Funds used to start a brand-new band program for student enrichment

· Gretsch Music Foundation Grant Award Recipient – 2014 – Thomas Heyward Academy/South Carolina Independent School Association

o Funds used to purchase Hand Bells, Recorders, and World Drumming Percussion Equipment for student enrichment

· Foundation of Educational Excellence Grant Award Recipient – 2018 – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Funds used to purchase World Music Drumming Equipment, xylophones, and performance uniforms for the students

· Hilton Head Jr. Jazz Foundation Grant Award Recipient – 2018 – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Funds used to purchase a state-of-the-art keyboard lab for the students to learn how to read music

· South Carolina Arts Commission Community Arts Grant Award Recipient – 2019 – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Funds used to bring in an Artist in Residence to enrich student learning

· Fripp Friends of Music Grant Award Recipient – 2020 – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

o Funds used to purchase recorders to enhance student learning

Professional Opportunities

· Beaufort County School District Master Teacher – 2005/2006 – District Curriculum Writer for Elementary Music K-5, Board of Trustees District Liaison for school outreach programs, Co-Founder of District Arts GT Program

· Hilton Head Youth Symphony Director – Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra - 2005-2009

· LEA Representative for Special Education, Textbook Committee Member, Teacher Mentor, Special Area Chair Person - 2007-2009 -James J Davis Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

· Teacher Evaluator Team – 2019-Current – Saint Helena Elementary School/Beaufort County School District

· Flute/Piccolo Player – Beaufort Symphony Orchestra – 2014-Current

In conclusion, I have had the distinguished privilege of teaching three generations of students over my 25 years of teaching. My greatest accomplishment to the field of education is my students. My favorite saying in education is “Reach them where they are!” Having a hand in developing well rounded productive young people in society is my biggest contribution to education. Every time a former student comes running up to me, throws their hands around my neck, and thanks me for being their favorite teacher, I know that I have made a difference in their life. I am honored to be nominated for this award. Thank you for this opportunity.