Chalkboard Champion: Teacher making students feel loved despite the pandemic

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - “I did not expect this at all, this is awesome. I’m about to cry, like this is so cool.”

That was the initial reaction from Jennifer Shelly when ABC 7 and May Custom Home surprised her with $500.

Jennifer Shelly teaches first grade at Lakeview Elementary School. She, like all teachers know this past year has been very difficult for teachers.

“We just do what we need to do to make sure the kids have what they need to have to succeed,” Shelly said.

Shelly has found a way to keep students learning and wanting to come to school despite the pandemic.

“I want them to love to come to school. They have to know that they’re loved in order to improve in their academics and that’s one thing I’m always instilling in my students,” Shelly added.

She said it’s the students who have kept her going. “The students made me feel better as a teacher this year because they’re so understanding.”

Thank you Jennifer Shelly for everything you do for Sarasota County students!

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