Communication, Connection, Expression: Provo High Teacher Jazmin Kitchen’s Approach to English Language Arts

October 23rd, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
News, Provo High, Schools, Secondary Schools

For Jazmin Kitchen, an English Language Arts and Concurrent Enrollment teacher at Provo High, English is, at its core, about connection.

“I just hope my students learn to express themselves better, “She shares.” That’s what English is about—feeling like you know how to communicate better.”

We agree: first and foremost, content matters, and the ability to express and communicate are invaluable higher education skills that students in Concurrent Enrollment must hone before entering higher education.

Yet, we love Kitchen’s slight distinction: there is a difference in communication and the self-belief in communication. This distinction makes a tremendous difference, and this difference leads to major decisions in how she teaches: Kitchen makes students feel comfortable communicating. In her room, students can share their thoughts, justify their beliefs, and engage in civil, empathetic discussions, skills that are invaluable in higher education.

This philosophy leads to her foremost goal as an English Teacher: to prepare students not just for college but for thoughtful, respectful communication in any setting.

Reflecting on her approach to this school year, she explains, “I’m trying to make a conscious effort, asking myself, “Okay, how can I create a positive atmosphere?”

It’s a tall order. One can imagine how you cultivate a great culture over a day, but how do you manage it over a year?

It’s a balance in which Kitchen is always mindful; day-to-day details can culminate to create impactful learning experiences. Still, long-term planning is challenging. “Lesson prepping is hard for me,” she admits. “But we have a perfect setup, and I’ve been on the 11th-grade team for at least two years. We have a good arc, scope, and sequence.”

While day-to-day preparations can be challenging, Kitchen finds excitement in moments of discovery and engagement, especially during her favorite and final yearly unit.

“The thing I look forward to the most is The Great Gatsby. We do that at the end of the year. With that unit (and spoiler alert for a novel almost a hundred years old), Gatsby dies, and they’re always surprised.”

During our visit, Kitchen’s Concurrent Enrollment textbook lay open on her desk, her pen poised as she meticulously prepped for upcoming lessons. Each unit, including the carefully crafted Gatsby unit, reflects years of thoughtful planning and execution. She shared an example of this exact fact, recalling one of her early experiences teaching the novel:

“I once assigned them to write a eulogy for Gatsby. They hadn’t reached the point where he died yet, and they were like, ‘What, he dies?’ And I was like, ‘Uh—no, no. Don’t look up what a eulogy is.’ But it’s fun to have lessons where you can surprise them.”

Despite her love for literature, Kitchen’s true passion lies with students. “My favorite part about teaching is that connection—the students,” she says. “Which is funny because I initially became a teacher because I liked the content. I knew I would like students, but I wanted to teach English. I didn’t know I would enjoy meeting students as much as I do.”

Many of our best teachers often start teaching for the subject matter but stay for the students, and Kitchen exemplifies this notion. Her passion for literature remains, but her dedication to her students has become the hallmark of her teaching.

It all ties back to her ultimate goal and our opening. To share her complete quote uninterrupted:

“I’m obsessed with Shakespeare. He’s my guy. And I always tell them, ‘My goal is that you’ll like Shakespeare.’ And it’s just a joke because I know they won’t. The truth is, I just hope they can express themselves better. That’s what English is about—feeling like you know how to communicate better. I want them to feel comfortable communicating, connecting to new people, and expressing themselves.”

Thank you, Jazmin Kitchen, for helping students find their voice.