Jenna Wachtel and Robert Pronovost are two 30 Under 30: Innovative Educators
Each of Jenna Wachtel’s kindergarten students are part of her Dragonfly Family, through which she fosters a thriving classroom community of transformation and new beginnings. This whimsical portrayal of her class isn’t the only thing that makes Wachtel an inspiring educator. Her commitment to see each young student at Addison Elementary School achieve his or her potential spawned an after-school program that combines individualized attention and small group teaching with a computer program to lend an additional hand to struggling students. When she can’t give a student the personalized attention he or she needs in class, she’s making sure they get it after school.
Despite a myriad of challenges, including time, money, and the ever-evolving tech world, Robert Pronovost is insistent on using technology to teach and connect his 2nd graders with others across the country and the world. In fact, he’s so determined to teach his students with the latest tools and gadgets, that he admits to frequently spending much of his personal time experimenting and tinkering with new pieces. But as long as he’s able to help his students connect with the broader world, he believes it’s all worth it.