Classroom Conversations: Ms. Reitzel and Jayda
On Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, Ms. Reitzel was one of the first in the doors of CCA-Dana Ave. They get straight to work, preparing for arrival and homeroom. Just over an hour later, the hallways are bustling with students, including one of Ms. Reitzel’s homeroom and ELA students, 6th-grader Jayda. She’s all smiles underneath her blue mask as she gets ready to start her day.
The Huddle caught up with the dynamic duo during an otherwise seamless class transition to Art Class with Ms. Barrett.
Connection is a hallmark of USN culture, and this is a glimpse into the dialogues that define our campuses. Below, Ms. Reitzel and Jayda interview each other and discuss reading, relationship-building, and recommendations in between class periods.
The Huddle: How do you two know each other?
Jayda: Because she’s my teacher!
Ms. Reitzel: Yes, I am Jayda’s homeroom and ELA teacher!
The Huddle: Okay, great. Now, take it away, you two!
Jayda: Okay, Tch. Reitzel, how did you learn to speak French?!
Ms. Reitzel: How’d I learn to speak French? I took French in high school, and then I studied in France for a little bit.
Jayda: Oh! [General shock noises and expression]
Jayda: So, what made you want to be an ELA teacher?
Ms. Reitzel: I really love reading. I studied creative writing and English in college, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my degree than teaching you all.
Tch. Reitzel: Jayda, what’s your favorite subject?
Jayda: Uh, I don’t know!
Ms. Reitzel: You can answer honestly! It’s okay that it’s not ELA. [The two laugh]
Jayda: Okay, I like science!
Ms. Reitzel: Science? Okay, alright! What’s your favorite part of science?
Jayda: I like to put things together.
Ms. Reitzel: So, what’s your dream job?
Jayda: Either a teacher, a scientist… or a YouTuber!
Ms. Reitzel: Teacher-scientist-Youtuber — those are some good options!
Ms. Reitzel: How can I be the best teacher this year?
Jayda: You can… well, something from what my teachers did last year that I loved was when a teacher really listens to you.
Ms. Reitzel: So, listening is what I’m hearing? That’s really good.
Jayda: Okay, it’s my turn! What is your favorite book?
Ms. Reitzel: Well, I told you guys yesterday that my favorite childhood book is Because of Winn-Dixie. I loved that book when I was your age. But my favorite, favorite book is probably Coraline.
Jayda: Coraline… like the movie?
Ms. Reitzel: Yes, but the book is in the classroom library, and you should totally read it.
Jayda: [Nods] Right now, I’ve got the Black Panther book [from the classroom library]!
Ms. Reitzel: Ooo, that one’s a good one, too.
Jayda: What’s your favorite book to teach?
Ms. Reitzel: My favorite book to teach is Brown Girl Dreaming, which we’re going to do next trimester, it is the best book.
Jayda: Brown Girl Dreaming… whaaat?
Ms. Reitzel, laughing: You’ll find out when we get there! It’s a nice surprise waiting for you, everybody loved it last year. [Jayda: Okay!] Your older sister, Jayla, read really far ahead in it last year because she really liked it.
Jayda: What do you hope for your students?
Ms. Reitzel: I really hope you guys learn to love to read this year, even if it’s just graphic novels — which I have a lot of, as you know, in that classroom library! So, learn to love to read anything. Whatever you like to read, I want you to read it this year — as much as you can.
The Huddle: What is one thing you appreciate about each other?
Jayda, laughing: I like that Teacher Reitzel is very nice to us, and throws us candy!
Ms. Reitzel: I do do that! I love that Jayda always tries in class, puts forth her best effort, and is always willing to try new things.
Ms. Reitzel: You ready for art class now, Jayda?
Jayda: Yes!
With that, the pair wave their goodbyes as The Huddle thanks them for this unique peek into the new connections forming between staff and students this school year.
