2022 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Terri VanderWijst
Teacher
Berkeley County Virtual School
Martinsburg, WV

What has Jostens Renaissance impacted most in your school?
Renaissance impacted attendance at both of my past schools, Musselman High and Mountain Ridge Middle School.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting Jostens Renaissance in their school?

Gather a team, start with one or two Renaissance ideas that have a wide reach, and add as you gain experience and success.

How has Jostens Renaissance impacted you, personally and professionally? 

Renaissance has introduced me to educators from all over that have become lifelong friends. The lessons I have learned through Renaissance educators have changed the way I view others.  I have seen the impact that can be made in a life when a person feels “seen.”  I am more observant and compassionate now and find myself intentionally looking for ways to connect with others, both at school and in the world around me.

Being a Renaissance educator has rejuvenated my love of education.  I look for the smiles on faces of those being recognized — it warms my heart and makes me want to step up my game and do more. Thanks to Renaissance, I have honed my planning and organization skills, become more confident when faced with challenges, and refined my creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Melissa Wright
Teacher
Kennebecasis Valley High School
Quispamsis, NB

What has Jostens Renaissance impacted the most at your school?
Renaissance has made our school a more positive place to learn and work. It has helped bring the positives to the forefront empowering our school to celebrate all Staffulty and students success both in and out of school. Never doubt that the little things you do are making a huge impact!

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting Jostens Renaissance in their school?
Just start! When we started we chose to start with three things that our school valued, and it just built from there. Start with what you are comfortable with. Surround yourself with a great team of people that want to make a positive impact on your school. Involve the students – they have the best ideas and have a great pulse on what students like. Reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Renaissance community has some of the best educators and everyone is so supportive. Also, get as many people as you can to JRGC, including your administration! Once everyone sees it in action and the impact it can have, there will be no turning back!

How has Jostens Renaissance impacted you, personally and professionally? What role has it played in your life?

Personally, Renaissance has taught me to always look for the positives. When you choose joy, it immediately brings to the forefront the positives and the things that you appreciate. Many of the values I have learned through Renaissance I have brought into my personal life. Celebrating is a regular occurrence at our house. No matter how big or small the accomplishment we always make the time to celebrate and show gratitude. As well, Renaissance has pushed me to always do better and become the best version of myself.

Professionally, I couldn’t imagine being an educator without Renaissance. Renaissance has made me a better educator and taught me to always look for ways to connect with both Staffulty and students. The opportunities I have had and the connections that I have made because of Renaissance wouldn’t not have been possible otherwise. I am the educator I am today because of Renaissance. Our Renaissance team has taught me so much. The students on our team have made me a better educator and never cease to amaze me. Being their Renaissance advisor has allowed me the opportunity to see so many amazing students grow into leaders throughout their high school experience. As well, my co-advisor Elizabeth Folks, is always encouraging me and is my cheerleader. She continues to help me grow as a Renaissance educator and makes me better. Attending JRGC is the best professional learning I attend all year and is life changing. It has helped shape me into the educator I am today.

Meg Ward
Teacher
Stratford High School
Goose Creek, SC

What has Jostens Renaissance impacted the most at your school(s)?
Jostens Renaissance has impacted our culture and climate, and RELATIONSHIPS!!

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting Jostens Renaissance in their school?
Find a great TEAM of students and Staffulty, identify the needs of your school, and pick three things to start with, then start strong – and have fun!

How has Jostens Renaissance impacted you, personally and professionally? What role has it played in your life?
I attended my very first Renaissance conference in 2004 in Dallas, TX. I have never been the same. It changed me as a teacher in my classroom and it changed the way I viewed my role within my school. Renaissance ignites something inside of me that makes me want to do whatever I can to make my classroom and my school a place where students and Staffulty want to be everyday. I want to make it matter for those around me. I have also had the privilege to teach our Leadership Class for 15 years. Helping students tap into their potential and believe in themselves as student leaders has been a blessing. Renaissance has also given me a network of educators across the country who inspire me and help me be better. Renaissance educators share ideas and resources to help schools who are all working toward the same goal. We want to make our schools the best we can for our kids. Renaissance builds the climate and culture of your school –  and in the time we are in, there is nothing we need more!

Previous Hall of Fame Inductees