December Teacher of the Month | Video

Chris Williams | 12/6/2012

For a first year teacher, stepping into the classroom for the first time can be a little nerve wracking, but don`t try telling that to Rickard Elementary`s newest kindergarten teacher. Tarren Jundt is almost halfway through her first year as a teacher, and she has shined during those first five months. She is KUMV`s December Teacher of the Month.

Kindergarten is the first time many kids spend an entire day at school. It`s where they build a foundation for the rest of their life.

"It`s been very overwhelming, some people think that I live here. Overall, putting in a little hard work has really paid off seeing how far the kids have come, and they just make me smile every day," Jundt said.

Making sure her students reach their full potential is something Jundt take seriously.

"I would say I`m at least here 2.5 hours after school. I usually come an hour before school. Then on the weekends I would say I probably put in about 16 extra hours on the weekends," Jundt added.

The long hours are paying off, almost every one of Jundt`s students can write their own name, and can count up to 10. She says using hands on activities really helps kids understand what she is trying to teach.

Combining games and learning is something her students like to do.

Communication plays a big part inside the classroom with her students, and outside the classroom with the parents.

"I communicate a lot with the parents if there`s an issue. I email them or call them and let them know. I want to keep them updated on now their kids are doing," added Jundt.

It`s only Jundt`s first year teaching, but you wouldn`t know that by walking into her classroom.

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