• NeWP Summer Institute 2008
• 22 Years Teaching English and Facilitating Gifted and Talented Educational Opportunities
• Previous ELA Department Head at O'Neill Public Schools​
• 2021 NCTE/NELAC Teacher of the Year

When asked to describe the community that the Nebraska Writing Project creates, Jennifer described it as supportive and inspiring. She explains, "I feel very lucky to have this group to turn to if I have questions, if I need someone to talk to, or to exchange ideas for stronger student engagement. They always look to the future and find new ways to cultivate learning in the classroom. As a teacher, I like to set a strong foundation of learning for my students, but also implement innovative practices that allow them to be creative within the realm of writing. One innovative program that is implemented into my classroom is the Online Writing Exchange. My students share their writing with pre-service teachers, who mentor them as they develop their own writing process. My students can see that their writing has a life beyond the classroom, and that college students genuinely care about what they have to say. It also helps them see the 'why' behind what they're learning." Not only has Jennifer's teaching experience been transformed, but her life as a writer has also been impacted by the community that the NeWP creates. After reflecting on her time as a teacher, Jennifer said, "Through the Nebraska Writing Project, I was able to secure a grant so that I could learn abroad in Italy to better understand Place Based Writing. I then participated in a Place Conscious Workshop through the Sherwood Foundation with others across the state. For my enriching experience, sponsored by the foundation, I traveled to France for a travel writing class. I would have never had those opportunities had it not been for the network that the Nebraska Writing Project opened up for me. I now have the courage to share my work and take ownership of my identity as a writer."