INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Jennifer Downs, SunRidge Middle School

Jennifer Downs is a sixth-grade Comprehensive Science 1 and Life Science teacher at SunRidge Middle School.

“Mrs. Downs goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment,” said SunRidge Principal Amy McHale. “She takes the time to truly understand each student’s needs, offering guidance and encouragement that extends beyond the classroom. Her ability to communicate clearly and compassionately ensures that students feel heard, valued and motivated to succeed.”

Last year, she won the Cure Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers Award, and she was Teacher of the Year at Dr. Phillips High School in 2012.

What brought you to your school?

I came to SunRidge Middle School to be closer to home and work in the area that I grew up in. I live in Winter Garden and wanted to make an impact in the area that I live in.

What do you love most about your school?

SunRidge has amazing students, staff and parent support that make teaching easier. I love coming to work every day knowing that SunRidge has the best students around.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of teaching sixth-grade science is seeing students love for science grow; those lightbulb moments when a topic is challenging, but they finally understand and can explain it better than I can.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

I wanted to go into the pharmacy field as a child, as I always loved medicine, but it wasn’t for me and teaching was. I would also love to be a therapist for kids who have been through trauma.

Who influences you?

My parents are probably my biggest influencers, supporters and cheerleaders. My mom and dad have worked hard to make sure that my brother and I are taken care of. Their hard work and dedication to their family and their jobs have pushed me to work hard in everything I do.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

That is hard as I have had many and can’t narrow down to one. I grew up in the OCPS school system from Windermere Elementary, Lakeview Middle School and graduating in 1995 from West Orange High School. I had strong teachers from Mrs. O’Brien in middle school to Mrs. Stone, Coach Jackson, and Mrs. Doyle in high school. They all had the same outlook on teaching in that if you have high expectations, you will be able to see success from those that don’t think that they will succeed — and that is something that I believe in my classroom.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Guess How Much I Love You,” by Sam McBratney. This book is special to me because it was given to me as an adoption gift from my son’s case manager. It is something that we used to read nightly and came up with our own little saying of “I love you to the Moon and God and back,” that we still say today.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time — what is that? I have a seventh-grade son that keeps me busy. He is in competitive soccer, and we do a lot of traveling with that. If we aren’t going somewhere for soccer, I love doing puzzles, going to Orlando City Soccer games and being with family.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Another tough question as there are so many people that intrigue me. I would say the one person I would like to dine with would be Tony Dungy. He has several adopted children as well as being one of the top coaches in NFL history. Would love to know how he is able to do both and do both well.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to be able to heal people from sickness and trauma. I am a breast cancer survivor of almost six years now and know the pain the disease can cause to a person and their family. I would love to take that away. I was also a foster mom for over seven years prior to that, and would love to be able to heal the trauma that kids have gone through and take that away from them. No kid deserves to be hurt emotionally or physically and would love to be able to take that pain away from kids that can’t control their own situation.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Alanis Morrisette, Dave Matthews Band and The Beatles. The Beatles are a group that my family loves and it brings back family memories, and the other two are who I listened to through high school and college.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

I don’t know if I remember that far back, but my favorite snack was probably Little Debbie Snacks or Nutty Buddy.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is my favorite holiday for many reasons, but it was my late Grandma’s favorite and something that brings back memories of my childhood and family time. Family is so important to me, and this is a time that we all get together and just have a good time.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I have been friends with my best friend, Luke, since I was around 2 years old. We grew up together, and even though he moved away, we still are best friends and get together often. He is considered family at this point, and we have been there for each other through all of our major life events.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I played a lot of basketball and played at West Orange High School from 1991-1995. My senior year we were one of the top teams in the state, winning districts and regionals and making it to the Final 8 in the state, which was the farthest the West Orange had gone in girls basketball at the time. I went on to play basketball in college. I was Orlando Magic – Texaco Student Athlete of the Year in 1995.

How long have you been at your school and with OCPS?

I was a student with OCPS from first grade through 12th grade. I began teaching in 2004 at West Orange High School and started coaching basketball. I was there for four years, then transferred to Dr. Phillips High School. I taught there until I transferred four years ago to SunRidge Middle School.