Sussex School

7-8th Grade Language Arts, 8th Grade Social Studies, 8th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Jen grew up exploring the rivers, lakes, forests, and coast of Maine. These early wanderings and experiences have shaped her teaching and her ethic. From an early age she has lived and breathed experiential education, literally growing up at the Chewonki Foundation, a nationally recognized environmental education center, where her father was the executive director for more than twenty years. At Chewonki, Jen led wilderness expeditions with native Cree elders in Northern Canada and taught intensive field-based environmental education courses. Jen has traveled widely throughout East Africa, South East Asia, and Europe. She has lived and worked in London and has a keen interest in global development issues. Jen received her B.A. from St. Lawrence University in African Studies & Government and has conducted graduate-level research and course work in English Literature at the University of Montana. Jen has taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and 8th grade Social Studies for nine years at Sussex. In 2000 and 2001, she brought five Sussex students to New York City to participate in the Student Conference on Human Rights at the United Nations. Jen is excited about 6-8 writing workshop and expanding on Sussex’s already innovative writing program. When not at Sussex, Jen can be found playing with her children, Zoë (4) and Simon (1).

What is your teaching philosophy? When students are actively and creatively engaged in their subject/material/study, real learning takes place. My teaching is rooted in a love of learning. While my students have ample opportunity to measure themselves against high standards, their intellectual lives are not circumscribed by competition; rather, they study in an environment that stresses individual accomplishment and partnerships with teachers and peers. To me, the art of teaching is something I am continually learning; its mastery requires a lifetime.

Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you as a teacher? My father is an inspirational, creative educator. In all of his programs, students focus on learning to live and work together, communicating honestly, being sensitive and generous in spirit, and taking personal responsibility for community and place.

What was your most rewarding experience as a teacher? For two years, I took a group of Sussex 8th graders to New York City to participate in an International Human Rights Conference at the United Nations (the program is no longer open to middle school students). The whole process of preparation to participating in the conference, as well as bringing students to NYC was immensely rewarding.

What do you love most about teaching? When students eyes light up with pride, understanding, or curiosity – the “I got it” moment that makes learning exciting and that excitement contagious.

What do you like to do when you are not teaching? I love to play with my daughter, read, walk on the beach and cook.

Who is the person you admire most in the world? Today? Mardy Murie, for her life-time work in conservation…Ask me tomorrow and I’ll probably have a different answer. So many people to admire!

“I love it when students’ eyes light up with pride, understanding, or curiosity – the ‘I got it’ moment that makes learning exciting and that excitement contagious.”

- Jen Ellis, 8th Grade Homeroom and Language Arts Teacher for Grades 7-8