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A conversation with Jennifer Abel, gifted and talented educator at Shwab Elementary formerly exceptional education at Hermitage Elementary in Nashville, TN. Jennifer was a participant in Stories of Resilient Educators, and Amanda got a chance to follow up with her about her experience  teaching during the Pandemic, her predictions for 2021/22, and how other societies value educators.

A spoken narrative and song inspired by teachers and created by teaching artists, this project amplifies and uplifts stories of resilient teachers in Metro Nashville Public Schools during the 2020/21 school year. Teachers applied to be part of a Narrative 4 Story Exchange in an open application process, and in this application they were invited to share reflections on teaching. Five of these applicants were chosen to meet online to share and exchange stories of resiliency in teaching. Project leader Amanda Cantrell Roche wrote a spoken narrative incorporating teachers' quotes, and Alison Brazil wrote and recorded an original song with co-writer Matt Lipscombe inspired by the stories. Jon Royal contributed to visioning meetings as well as a voice in the spoken narrative.   amandacroche.com Thank you to Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for being a sponsor, and to the many donors who made this possible. To donate and add your name to supporters: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stories-of-resilient-educators-sore And thank you to resilient teachers, everywhere. We see you, and this is for you! Teachers whose stories were shared and whose words shaped this project: Dr. Nikki Hughes, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary   Jessica Henderson, Glenview Elementary School   Susan Henderson Isel, Antioch Middle School   Brigid Whitaker, Glenview Elementary School   Aaron Litvack, Maplewood High School   Linda Wynkoop, Glencliff High School   Dr. Shauntazia Shorter, Cane Ridge High School   Laura McAfee, Ida B. Wells Elementary School   Caroline Sharp, Oliver Middle School   Thelma Guzman, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School   Tania Mejia, Park Ave. Elementary and Johnson Alternative Learning Center   Caison Bridger, Jones Paideia Elementary School   LaDonna Williams, Thomas A. Edison Elementary School   Hannah Spear, Tom Joy Elementary School   Paige La Grone Babcock, Apollo Middle School   Jennifer Abel, Hermitage Elementary School

When work and opportunities are lost or put on hold during the pandemic, this writer finds a way to slow down, zoom in, and discover luminescence in every day life.