New teacher enjoys teaching English Language Learner students and science classes

After working as a teacher in other states and serving in the military for several years, science teacher Joyelle Anderson started working at Central. Anderson started at Central after winter break and is teaching physical science and science foundations, which is an English Language Learners course. She is excited to be teaching at Central and has enjoyed her first weeks at the school. 

Anderson served in the military several years before having her first teaching job. She applied for a volunteer position at her child’s school, and the school instead offered her a position as a science teacher. She has taught grades kindergarten through 12th at both private and public schools. Anderson has taught many different courses including biology, earth science and physical science. Anderson said, “My experiences vary across demographics and types of schools and I think that is one of the main strength areas I bring to the class room.” 

So far, Anderson has enjoyed her time teaching at Central. New to the Omaha area, she had previously taught at many schools that are similar to Central, but she believes that Central is a new experience due to the high level of diversity and the size of the school. Anderson said, “I wanted to be at and see a place that had this level of diversity, which is one of the school’s biggest strengths.” 

One of the strongest traits that Anderson has seen at Central is leadership. She watches for leaderships within schools and other areas, and believes the leadership shown at Central is outstanding. She believes that many of the leaders within Central, including the administration, counselors, and department heads are all part of the reason why Central shows great leaders.  

Throughout her life, Anderson has had the opportunity to learn many different languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French and many words and phrases in other languages. She believes knowing these languages helps her to connect and communicate with the students in her English Language Learners courses. She says this has also allowed her to better understand her students during classes and communicate with them in languages besides English.  

Overall, Anderson’s favorite part of teaching at Central is the ability to engage with her students. She believes watching students grow over time and see the difference from the beginning to the end of the year is amazing. She looks forward to having more opportunities to see her students grow in future years, when she is able to watch their personal growth throughout the entire year.  

Anderson said, “I am looking forward to watching my students grow. It is already happening, and it makes my heart smile. I am already seeing them adjusting and growing and to see what they are going to be by the time I have to send them off, it is beautiful.”