Great communities have great schools. High Point Schools Partnership creates impactful connections between our schools and the wider community to ensure students and their families are supported and can reach their full potential in High Point schools.
Part of High Point Schools Partnerships’ mission is to improve the image of our schools through storytelling. Who better to tell the stories of High Point’s schools than the people experiencing it first-hand? In this series of articles, we will highlight our 2022 High Point Extraordinary Educators as we dive deeper into what keeps them motivated in the face of constant challenges.
2022 Extraordinary Educator: Pimnapa (Jan) Julsuwan
Pimnapa (Jan) Julsuwan started her teaching career at Montlieu Academy in 2017. She stays because she feels as though she has found her second home. There is such a HUGE support system—from their amazing administration, awesome coaches, and of course great colleagues! There is so much collaboration and teamwork and all for the greater good—our students.
Kimberly Scott, the principal of Montlieu Academy, describes Ms. Julsuwan as “a true asset to our school family.” “She is a team player that is willing to do whatever it takes to see her scholars thrive in every way.”
According to Scott, Ms. Julsuwan “consistently meets or exceeds our school-wide student outcome goals because she refuses to settle and understands the importance of obtaining a high-quality education.” “She is a true facilitator of learning and provides scholars with frequent opportunities to share what they are learning with one another.”
Ms. Julsuwan wants her students to know “I’m ALL IN.”
She goes on to say “I will be there to support, listen and teach. I’m always here if you need me—just ask. It’s a cliché but it’s true it takes a village to raise a child. I do this because I love teaching kids. I love to watch them grow and flourish. Any success, great or small, is a celebration. WE are in this together!”
Q: What inspired you to become an educator?
A: The biggest inspiration for me was knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s life. Not just through teaching them content but inspiring them to think, dream, and become the BEST version of themselves. With that, they can and will accomplish any goal they set for themselves. I want them to know that an entire world is at their disposal—anything is possible.
Q: What’s your teaching/leadership style?
A: I’m more of a facilitator—a coach. I model what I expect them to do and set the expectations. Then I observe, give feedback, listen and support my students as needed. I love watching and listening to their collaboration and their conversations. Building a sense of community is really important to me. When a student has a sense of belonging, they feel comfortable making mistakes and look to one another for support—”Teamwork makes the dream work!”
Q: Do you have a classroom motto or philosophy you abide by? Why?
A: Since I teach just ELA this year—LOVE it! I have two mottos in my classroom: “Read, read, read. The more you read. The more you achieve;” “Practice makes PROGRESS (I don’t like “perfect” because there is no such thing as ‘perfection’ and I tell my kids that I, myself, will never claim to be perfect. Plus I don’t know everything and I’m always learning). I do have a third but it’s more about being just a nice human being—“Do the right thing EVEN though nobody is watching.”
Q: What’s your favorite part about every day?
A: The best part of every day is to be able to catch up and collaborate with my colleagues whether it’s fellow teachers, coaches, or administration. Everyone is always checking in. I love how we can bounce ideas off each other, support one another, or just lend an ear. Of course, we can’t forget the students! My kiddos always make my day. I get excited every day because I’m unsure of how the lesson will go and their response to it. But not knowing makes it even more exciting. I love to see the “a-ha” moments on their faces—if not I pull them to my back table and I try to address their misconceptions or just plain old reteach. It’s all about collaboration.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment as an educator?
A: There are many memorable moments BUT being recognized as Teacher of the Year is at the top of my list. It was quite a shock. I was extremely surprised and humbled by the nomination. To be recognized by my fellow peers made it more special. It is quite an honor!
Q: Is there any other information you would like us to share with the community?
A: It’s been a real honor being able to serve as a teacher in High Point, especially at Montlieu Academy.
Ms. Julsuwan is just one of High Point’s 2022 Extraordinary Educators. Tune in for the next few weeks to hear more stories and inspiring moments from our local teachers!
Thank you so much to Pimnapa (Jan) Julsuwan for your dedication to High Point’s students. Congratulations on being selected as your school’s 2022 Extraordinary Educator!
To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.
Article written by High Point Schools Partnership Staff
