Teacher Appreciation Week: Jenna Callan at Big Cross

Glens Falls City School District recognizes national Teacher Appreciation Week by highlighting committed and enthusiastic teachers from every one of our schools each day of the week! Read on for an inside interview with Jenna Callan—one of the most dynamic teachers around our district.

Mrs. Callan teaches second grade at Big Cross Street Elementary School. She was born and raised in Glens Falls — calling herself “a proud product of this community!” — having attended Jackson Heights and graduating from Glens Falls High School. Now, as a teacher at Big Cross, she says it’s incredibly special to give back to the same district that helped shape her. She’s been on staff in GF Nation for 8 years now, beginning as an aide, then assistant, and now classroom teacher after completing her degree at Central State University.

Principal Paul Morcone says it’s easy to see why Mrs. Callan is Big Cross' well-deserved honoree. “She brings exceptional care and conscientiousness to every interaction, building strong, trusting relationships with both students and families,” he says. “Her classroom instruction reflects the latest research-based methodologies, ensuring her students receive the most effective and engaging learning experiences possible. Mrs. Callan goes above and beyond by personalizing each child's journey through thoughtful social-emotional check-ins, always taking time to meet her students where they are as whole people. We are so proud to have her on our team!” 

What do you do to engage your students? What makes your teaching and learning style or environment unique?

I work hard to create a classroom where students genuinely enjoy learning and begin to see themselves as lifelong learners. I model excitement every day because when students see that learning is fun, it becomes contagious. We celebrate everything including effort, growth, and achievement. My classroom is built on encouragement where we support one another and truly want the best for each other.

I also focus on building students’ intrinsic motivation, which is the drive to learn and do their best because they want to. Consistent routines and clear expectations help create a calm and safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and can focus on learning.

Every student learns differently, so I intentionally include a variety of approaches such as visual, auditory, hands-on activities, movement, and collaboration. Each child is unique, and it is my job to discover what motivates them and helps them grow. In our classroom, mistakes are not something to fear. They are something we celebrate because that is where real learning happens. I hold high expectations for every student because I truly believe that every child is capable of achieving great things. Most importantly, I make sure our learning is always purposeful and meaningful.

Why do you think it's important to teach the way you do?

I believe it is important to be a consistent and stable presence for my students. They know what to expect from me, and they understand what I expect from them. That consistency removes uncertainty and allows us to focus on the joy of learning.

When students see that I believe in them and hold them to high expectations, they begin to believe in themselves and each other. By fostering motivation and curiosity, I am helping create lifelong learners. When learning feels purposeful and students are actively involved, engagement comes naturally and that is when the most meaningful growth happens. I also love the challenge of figuring out how to reach every learner. When a student is not quite understanding something, it pushes me to find a new way to teach it, and those moments when it finally clicks are incredibly rewarding.

Describe your best lesson ever, or one you and students really enjoy.

While I love every lesson, some of my favorite lessons are read-alouds. There is so much power in a great book. Through read-alouds, we can explore content, build vocabulary, and most importantly develop a true love of reading.

During read-alouds, students naturally jump in with their own predictions, connections, and ideas. It becomes a rich, collaborative conversation where you can actually see their thinking and understanding grow in real time.The best part is when students go home excited to find the book we read, whether they borrow it from the library or ask to buy it. That is when you know you have helped spark something special. When students love reading, it opens doors to endless possibilities and adventures.

I also enjoy any lesson that encourages flexible thinking and creativity. It is so exciting to see my students come up with different ways to solve a problem and be able to explain their thinking. Those moments show true understanding and growth.

What's the best thing about GF Nation?

The best thing about GF Nation is the incredible sense of community and connection. I have experienced it as a student, a parent, and now as a teacher, which makes it even more meaningful.

There is so much dedication behind the scenes to make every day count for every student. I was inspired to become a teacher because of the amazing mentors I had here, and now I am lucky enough to call them colleagues. I continue to learn from them every day and hope to give back in the same way.

There is something truly special about this district, and that feeling is especially strong at Big Cross. Even though students may only be in one classroom at a time, every teacher cares about every child. We treat each student as if they were our own, and we all want to see them succeed. It is a place filled with heart, commitment, and genuine care.

Some fun facts about Mrs. Callan:

I am currently continuing my education at the University at Albany, where I am working toward my degree and certification as a literacy specialist. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family, watching lacrosse, especially cheering on my two children, and following my favorite team, the Atlas. When I get the chance, I enjoy traveling, especially anywhere near the ocean.