Peniston Loves Teaching after COVID-Crazy First Year

Rebecca Peniston is a first-year teacher at Paint Lick Elementary School in Garrard County where she teaches fourth and fifth grade science and writing. She still loves teaching, even after a crazy first year because of COVID-19. “This year has been a challenge in a lot of ways but it has also been a great learning experience.  Finding ways to engage students in online learning was a challenge for me and lots of other teachers.  However, I learned so many great new teaching techniques. The most rewarding thing was finally having the students back in the classroom. I have loved finally being able to do science experiments with students in person!” she said.

Rebecca was inspired to be a teacher by Jenny Fitzpatrick, her dance teacher at the Blackbird Dance Theatre in Lexington, KY. “I had no idea what I wanted to do until she gave me the opportunity to help her with the younger students. I wouldn’t be where I am without a teacher like her,” Rebecca said. “I love being a teacher because I get to listen to students have discussions with each other about what they are learning in the classroom. I also like being able to talk to students about what they inspire to be when they are older.”

Rebecca completed her undergraduate degree in elementary education and the education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in May 2020. She plans to return in EKU in Summer 2021 to earn her master’s degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing education.

Published on March 23, 2021