Great support from LP PENCIL Box!

Upon my arrival in 2016, after being hired by the state of TN to teach a STEM class, I was beyond impressed when I received an invitation to visit LP PENCIL Box and do some school supply shopping.

A great surprise it was. An opportunity (2 times per year) to further understand the commitment the state has towards education and the needs of all teachers.

Joel Wright is the Manager and he always makes me feel so comfortable as I browse through the aisles.

Video - LP PENCIL Box

This opportunity to get ready for this coming school year could not have been more meaningful. As I perused the aisles and kept planning future lessons - to fulfill new days of learning for our scholars -, I was advised by Joel someone special was present.

To my honor and surprise, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with Dr. Candice McQueen! Yes, The Commissioner of Education for the state of Tennessee.

She acknowledged how organized my shopping cart was...

I responded: "As a STEM teacher I look forward to each learning phase in the classroom. My cart can show you what will be happening the next 6 months."

She also asked: Which is my favorite grade?

I answered: "There are various opportunities with all middle school grades to challenge me as an educator. But, when I have my 5th graders... they are sponges. They receive all facts and details. Their curiosity and creativity is real. They are open to working together."

It was beyond welcoming to be important to her at this moment. She wanted to know more about me, my experience.

I explained how comfortable I felt at this stage of my stage of my life as an educator sharing all my past and recently acquired knowledge. This STEAM instruction position allows me to further my knowledge acquisition because presently, students are very demanding - I mean, they want many details and explanations.

Every experience I've had thru MNPS allows me to be ready for our Scholars.