National Teacher Appreciation Week: Jordan Kerstetter
Since 2012, Jordan Kerstetter has been a PK teacher and teacher-mentor at DC Prep’s Edgewood Elementary Campus. In recognition of her commitment to early childhood education, and demonstrated track record of success for students, Jordan was selected as a 2015 DC Teacher of the Year Finalist. She has also been profiled in a DOE Early Learning Initiative video.
Ms. Kerstetter was drawn to DC Prep because of its dual focus on rigorous academics and character education, and her classroom is a model for both. In SY13-14, 100% of her students achieved on or above grade-level standards in ELA, and her students had the greatest annual growth in both ELA and Math school-wide.
“Watching a child who begins the school year with limited language and daily tantrums, grow into a social chatterbox who can independently problem-solve as well as modulate his or her own emotions is unbelievably exciting," she says. "And [it's] what makes this work so rewarding.”
Ms. Kerstetter is a continuous learner who reflects on her teaching approach to refine her craft and improve the academic and behavioral outcomes of her students. She believes ardently in the ability of PK programs to instill a love of learning, and is an advocate for high-quality early childhood education nationwide – especially for families from underserved communities.
In addition to her work with DC Prep's students and families, Ms. Kerstetter provides an exemplary classroom experience for teachers-in-training – modeling effective teaching strategies and routines. She is a member of DC Prep’s Early Childhood Curriculum Planning Committee, and served as the PK Grade Level Lead at DC Prep's Edgewood Elementary Campus in SY13-14. Ms. Kerstetter has over a decade of teaching experience.
Thanks for your dedication, Ms. Kerstetter!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation and National Charter Schools Week, PCSB is highlighting public charter school teachers that work hard every day to prepare DC’s public charter school students for college and the workforce. From PK to adult education programs, public charter school teachers strive to increase the academic performance and school culture for their students.