Salute Our Heroes: A Junction City teacher wants to make an impact on kids for their future

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (WIBW) - A Junction City teacher has a passion for working with others especially those in Elementary School.

Jennifer Fallin discovered her love for education after finishing her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology while still being on scholarship for rowing at K-State. Fallin wanted to make a difference and mold the minds of the future.

“Once I started that student teaching there was no turning back I knew that this is where I wanted to be, where I was meant to be. I feel teachers are called to the field of education,” said Fallin.

After kicking off her career in Topeka for 3 years she moved to Washington Elementary in Junction where she has now taught for 11 years. Falling ultimately made the transition over to an instructional coach where she says her impact not only positively affected the kids but also on the school as a whole.

“The growth that they make, knowing that if I wasn’t here would I be willing to just let somebody else do it and I want to make that change, I want to make that impact, I want them to know that they are wanted, that they are needed, that they are cared for and staff I want to build that relationship with the staff I want them to know that they can trust me that I’m here to help them and their students be the best they can be,” said Fallin.

Fallin was named one of seven state-wide 2024 Kansas Master Teachers by Emporia State University in early April.

“You don’t go into education for honors, you don’t go into it for the money or the recognition but when you get it it’s pretty humbling it means a lot and I want to do the best I can for my district and for my coworkers to represent them well because education is tough I’m not going to sugar coat that, it’s a tough field but man it’s rewarding,” said Fallin.

Faculty working with Fallin said she always goes above and beyond for her kids, and staff, and has been an inspiration to many.

“I think part of the honor of her award is just that she does get out there, she does good things for our district and our kids and our building, she’s a great representative to the field of education and I think that’s what that master teacher award is, is just highlighting those teachers that go above and beyond and at her heart no matter what her title is she’s a teacher and so working with kids is just where her heart is,” said Jenna Langvardt, instructional coach at Washington Elementary.

Fallin said every year is different and while teaching is tough seeing the growth through the kids is worth it.

“I want to help shape the future and even with those tough times, you have so many things to be thankful for. I believe that behind every successful individual is a dedicated teacher that made a difference in their life, I want to be that for somebody,” said Fallin.

Fallin mentioned she wouldn’t be where she is now if it weren’t for her family and co-workers support.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.