Kathleen Tran

I am an AACPS: Employee, Ridgeway Elementary School

As a new teacher to Anne Arundel County, it was extremely nerve wracking to enter the school and be partnered with a total stranger to work side by side with for eight hours a day, 5 days a week. It is even more nerve wracking to be partnered with a teacher like Jennifer Zak, who is the epitome of excellence in education. As her student teacher for six months I got to witness the absolute magic that Mrs. Zak teaches with. She takes her students’ achievement as a personal challenge and strives to provide every accommodation, resource, intervention, individualized lesson, and every opportunity imaginable for her kids. With unwavering persistence, patience, and love, Mrs. Zak not only pushes her children to levels they never thought they could, but she motivates everyone around her to examine the quality of their own teaching and will work with anyone to help them support their students. I met Mrs. Zak as a 22 year old college student with no idea what my future held and it is with patience, understanding, and love that Mrs. Zak pushed me to follow my dreams and serve my community as an educator. At any hour of the day, morning, noon, or night you can count on Mrs. Zak to be planning something to support her children. Her devotion to her children’s well being is not limited to their academics but includes their development as a whole child. Jennifer Zak is a fearless advocate for all children and the integrity of education for all. To learn from Mrs. Zak was a privilege and to work with her is an honor.