THE INNOVATION EXPLANATION

New Program Benefits All K Through 4th Grade Warriors

By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist

I“It’s STEM and Art and everything all together in one class…all together in a fun way. And, it’s the best job ever,” beams Jennifer Welborn, Director of Innovation (EL K-4).

LRCA’s Innovation Program is modeled after gifted and talented initiatives, but every student benefits from the strategies. “It’s unique to us. Students aren’t identified or pulled out as with other schools. Everyone takes part. It really is the best way to do it,” affirms Mrs. Welborn.

She explains further, “The importance of the Innovation Program is that it offers extended learning for students that enhances what is taught in the regular classroom. Innovation provides students with the time needed for more hands-on projects and activities where students develop their unique talents and abilities in an environment of discovery.”

Get to know the lady behind all the new creative energy and educational excitement!

HB: Describe your educational/professional background.

JW: My mother was an early childhood teacher and encouraged me to give teaching a try. I have a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Gifted and Talented Education (K-12). I have worked as a first grade teacher, GT coordinator, and GT curriculum writer, all within the Little Rock School District.

HB: Share a little bit about your family and what led you to LRCA.

JW: My husband is an LRPD Detective and I have one daughter, Alexandra, who is a 2019 LRCA graduate. I had become familiar with LRCA through my daughter's involvement and knew that I would love the opportunity to eventually become a part of it. As I grew closer to retirement with the LRSD, I contacted Mrs. Chami. It was all just in God's perfect timing that the position was established and I was asked to head up the program. It is the perfect job for me and I feel so blessed to be here.

HB: What inspires you and is your favorite part of working with children?

JW: Every day is a new opportunity to excite and engage students in learning. I look forward to challenging students and leading them to make connections across the curriculum and move above and beyond the regular classroom standards. I want to help develop lifetime learners who are curious, confident, and willing to take risks.

Working with children never disappoints. They inspire me to be on top of my game every day. If I'm not, they will surely let me know! They are hopeful and sincere and remind me daily of what is really important. I have learned much more from children than I have ever taught them.

HB: What are your favorite lessons/subjects you cover with students?

JW: Always ones that involve teamwork and open-ended problem-solving tasks. Students learn in a non-threatening way and have the opportunity to use their unique strengths and talents to accomplish a common goal.

The most involved project this semester was with fourth grade. We took the information they were learning of Native American culture as demonstrated by totem poles and expanded it to our culture of Christianity. The students answered the questions about what some totems of Christianity are and how they would be reflected in a totem pole. We studied symbols of Christianity and their meanings. The students then created images and built them outside their classrooms.

HB: What are some of your goals for your work in Warriorville?

JW: I want to provide high-interest, engaging activities that challenge students to become independent thinkers. I also want students to be educated beyond the curriculum standards of the classroom and improve their ability to make connections across genres.

HB: What are some challenges you’ve experienced?

JW: Learning all the faces and names of all the students as well as each classroom dynamic and what lessons work best for that particular group.