This Second-Grade Teacher Is Carrying On Her Parents' Legacy in the Classroom

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Jennifer Fanelli is a second-grade teacher at Maʻemaʻe Elementary School in Honolulu entering her fifth year of teaching. As a daughter of teachers, she's long had an interest in working in education. She often shares her teaching journey and classroom on social media. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
Both of my parents are retired middle school teachers and I always loved their work-life balance growing up because it allowed us to spend a lot of time together as a family. I entered teaching with this goal in mind, but I was surprised at how deeply I fell in love with the classroom environment too. I love the way my students and I start every year as strangers, but end as a family!

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
I find it so fulfilling when parents share with me how much they see improvement and growth in their children's lives. Not only academically, but socially and emotionally too! This really makes me feel like I'm making a positive impact in the world, even if it's just something as simple as helping one child to feel confident in their own abilities.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My third-grade teacher. She made me feel so loved and appreciated for who I was as an individual. At the time I was very shy and struggled to make friends, so coming to school filled me with a lot of anxiety. I remember third grade as the year I began to enjoy coming to school, and it's all thanks to my wonderful teacher that year!

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
Since I work in Hawaii where it's often humid, my go-to teacher 'fit is normally a midi skirt and a blouse with platform mules. That's something breezy and comfortable that I can move around in all day.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
I always look forward to working out after school and on the weekends because that's a time when I can fully focus on recharging myself. I enjoy taking group classes because they're fun and motivating!

What's your morning routine on a school day?
I'm truthfully not a morning person, so I wake up as late as possible (6:15 a.m.). I put on my makeup and usually rush out the door so I can grab an iced coffee on the way to work.

How do you practice self-care?
Lately I enjoy reading a nice book, taking my dogs to the park, working out, and watching Netflix shows. Another thing that really helps me to relax is coloring! We think of coloring as a little-kid activity, but trust me, it's great for adults too.

What are you watching?
I just finished "Bridgerton" this summer and absolutely loved it! I especially enjoyed the spinoff, "Queen Charlotte." It's a lighthearted show that will lift your spirits.

What are you reading?
I just finished "Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop" by Hwang Bo-reum. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. It's a story that feels like a much-needed warm hug.

What's your fitness routine?
I'm obsessed with going to Burn Collective for my workouts four to five times a week. Once a week, I also work out with my coworkers, vice principal, and principal in our new staff gym at school. I think every school should have a wellness center like ours.

How do you keep from getting sick during the school year?
I try to eat healthy foods daily because nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I eat two Cuties a day to help boost my immunity. I need to work on sleeping more this coming school year, because sleep is a key factor in our health as well.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
I know it's basic, but I'm a huge fan of Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift!

Anything else at all you want to share?
Many people have reached out to me via Instagram or TikTok asking if I recommend teaching in Hawaii. Truthfully, the pay isn't the best, but the culture here is unlike any other. People in Hawaii value their families above all else, and the people you work with typically become your closest friends. I think it's an experience you have to try for yourself.

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.