Alumni Spotlight
Janine R. Armstrong '98
Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year Finalist
2003-2004
Major: Elementary Education and Spanish
Occupation: Sixth grade teacher
at Pleasant View Middle School
“As a child, I was influenced by many wonderful educators,” shares Janine Armstrong. “At an early age I knew that I, too, wanted to invest in the lives of children by becoming a teacher. Parents, teachers and administrators are instrumental in guiding students in the right direction, but students must have a desire to succeed. My job as an educator is to nurture that desire and help students see their worth and potential.”
Janine graduated cum laude from Evangel University in 1998, with a B.A. in elementary education and Spanish. She has spent the past six years teaching at Pleasant View Middle School and plays an active role in the students’ lives as a Student Council sponsor. Not only does Janine teach math and Spanish I to sixth graders, but she also teaches an Exploratory Class that introduces the world of William Shakespeare to her students.
Two years ago, Janine founded the Pleasant View Drama Club, which has produced five all-school plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, The Emperor’s Daughters, Hamlet and Jolly Roger and the Pirate Queen. She assists with school functions such as talent shows, elections, assemblies, plays and a host of other activities.
Janine states that her goal in devoting so much of her free time to the students is to show them that she cares about all aspects of their school life, not just their academic performance.
Janine continues making a difference in the lives of future leaders. She is pursuing a master’s degree at Evangel University in educational leadership.