The new school year is almost here! This week, new and returning staff returned for a week of professional development, collaboration, and teamwork as they prepare to kick off another great school year. As we welcome back our incredible faculty and staff, we’re taking a chance to introduce you to some of our returning staff. In this month’s We Are Wolf interview, learn more about Jenna Mitchell, a Teacher Assistant who joined the Wolf community in 2018.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Wolf?

I have my master’s in Theatre Education and have always loved working in a school setting. I taught high school English for a year before moving on to Bradley Schools and Bradley Hospital, where I helped open their Children’s Partial Program. It was during this time that I fell in love with Special Education and pediatric mental health. I also enjoyed partnering with families to create helpful routines at home and collaborating with classroom teams while providing school transition visits to help children find success once they returned to their schools.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of being a Teacher Assistant at The Wolf School is getting to be an integral part of the team that plans and executes lessons in the classroom. I also love that I still get to use my Theatre training—whether through Electives or even in the classroom.

3. What has been the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself while working at Wolf?

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself since working at Wolf is that I also benefit from many of the same strategies our students use! I think this informs my work in a very special way, as it allows me to model the strategies for my students—often giving them more encouragement to use them, too.

4. In addition to TA responsibilities, you also play a critical role in the yearbook. Can you tell us what you enjoy about that?

I’ve had the pleasure of working on the school’s yearbook for the past three years, and I truly enjoy the experience. I love looking back at the year’s moments and seeing all of the amazing activities, field trips, and experiences the students have had! I especially enjoy the eighth-grade pages—seeing their hopes and dreams and looking back at their baby photos.

5. Do you have any goals or hopes for the new school year?

I’m on a brand-new team this year, and I’m very excited and hopeful that working with this new group of professionals will further my learning and growth as a Teacher Assistant. I’m also looking forward to working with a new group of students and families and helping them become part of our Wolf community! And, as always, I hope to spark curiosity, build meaningful connections, and have fun!

We are so thrilled to have Jenna at Wolf and are so grateful for the creativity and kindness she brings to her work every day!

To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!