Panther Spotlight 6: Jennifer Bradley & Ginger Mills

Cabot Public Schools is proud to present, “Panther Spotlight.” This feature puts the spotlight on faculty and staff that are making a difference in the lives of our students every day. 

Throughout the school year, we'll recognize our outstanding certified and classified employees.

This week, “Panther Spotlight” is proud to recognize Mountain Springs Elementary Literacy Interventionist Jennifer Bradley and CHS English teacher Ginger Mills.

Name:  Jennifer Bradley

Title:  Literacy Interventionist

How long have you been with the Cabot School District?  This is my 16th year working for the Cabot School District.

Describe your job?  I work with small groups of children to help them improve their literacy skills. Working with small groups allows me to really get to know my students, their strengths, and the areas in which I can help them grow.

What is it that you love about being a reading interventionist?  I love working with children and seeing them learn. The best part is seeing their faces light up when they realize that they can read and apply the strategies that they have been taught.

Why do you love working for the Cabot School District?  I feel like the Cabot School District focuses on what is best for students. The district provides the resources that teachers need to give each student the education that they deserve.

What is it that you love about Mountain Springs Elementary?  Mountain Springs is a very positive environment and I really enjoy being around the people I work with. The students are great, and the parents are very supportive.

What did you do before working at the Cabot School District?  Prior to working for the Cabot School District, I worked as a teller for Regions Bank, a car-hop at Sonic Drive-In, and helped with paperwork at my father's business.

Please share any memorable/favorite/or crazy moments?  There are so many memorable moments when working with children. One of the most memorable moments I have had is receiving graduation invitations from my former students.  That touched my heart because I worked with those students when they were in elementary school, and they still remembered me.  

Why did you get into this field?  I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them build the confidence that is needed to be successful.  

If you weren't a reading interventionist, what would you be?  I can't imagine not being in education, but if I weren't I would be in some type of public service. I really enjoy helping others.

Please share a motto or saying you live by?  "Be the reason someone smiles today." Each day I try to make a difference in the lives of my students and others. Sometimes all it takes is a smile or kind words to make someone have a better day.

What do you like to do in your spare time?  I usually spend my spare time watching my son, Hunter, play soccer and basketball.  I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Anything else you'd like to add?  I have been married to my husband, Aaron, for thirteen years.  We have a 10 year old son, Hunter who attends Middle School North.  

Mandy Watkins, Mountain Springs Elementary Principal: Jennifer is amazing and passionate! She loves our children and each child she works with.  She is always trying to find exactly what each child needs to be successful.  She makes learning and practicing good reading strategies fun for them and that creates within them a love for reading. She relates really well with our children and they love and respect her and she helps them become lifelong learners and readers!  She frequently visits with me about a new strategy or plan. She is always growing and learning to help our children and teachers.  Mrs. Bradley is a great asset to our school family and a great resource for our teachers and parents. She is Moving Mountains with our children at MSE! We love Mrs. Bradley!

Name: Ginger Mills

Title: I am a senior English Teacher at Cabot High School.

How long have you been with the Cabot School District? I've been teaching in the district for 19 years and have taught 7th-12th grades.

Describe your job: I teach four sections of AP Literature and Composition and two sections of Mythology.

What is it that you love about being an English teacher? Literature is a great joy in my life, and being able to share and discuss the wisdom of those who came before us with these young scholars is quite fulfilling.

Why do you love working for the Cabot School District? Cabot has wonderful facilities, supportive leaders, and the best students!

What is it that you love about Cabot High School? Everyone works well together at CHS, especially in the English department. There is a great sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Mrs. Medlin has been invaluable as our department head and colleague, and the administrators are always supportive and encouraging. I especially appreciate the AP program and the support from Mr. Randolph and Mrs. Elliot in the Gifted and Talented department.

What did you do before working at the Cabot School District? I was hired to teach in Cabot right out of college, so teaching has been my life's work.

Please share any memorable/favorite/or crazy moments? I teach high school seniors, so my career abounds in memorable, crazy moments.  Laughter is inevitable when students are acting out Shakespearean dramas, rapping about vocabulary terms, and creating puppet shows about novels. My favorite moments occur at the culmination of the school year with life impacts diplomas (thanks to our awesome media center specialists) and graduation night.  It's rewarding when students acknowledge and appreciate your role in their life, and I think all teachers swell with pride watching them walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. 

Why/How did you get into this field?  My parents were involved in the education field, and they were both great role models for me.  Despite trying to deny my calling, I always knew I belonged in a classroom. I also had many inspiring English professors in college who encouraged me to pursue education.

If you weren't a high school English teacher, what would you be? I would probably be an English professor or a hermit comfortably ensconced in a cabin full of books and dogs.

Please share a motto or saying you live by? “I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.” (Kurt Vonnegut) 

Can you please share a fun fact about yourself? While I avoided reading the Harry Potter series for years (perhaps due to literary snobbery), I have reveled in reading the books each night with my child. As Dumbledore once remarked, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.”

What is something someone would be surprised to know about you? I have had since birth a condition called anosmia, the inability to smell. Students with this knowledge have great fun at my expense.  

What do you like to do in your spare time? My favorite pastime is reading, of course.  I also enjoy experiencing the world with Lainey, my lovely daughter, and cuddling with our dogs, a giant great dane and a golden retriever puppy. I've also been known to binge on a good Netflix series from time to time.

Anything else you'd like to add? About four years ago, my husband passed away after a very sudden and aggressive battle with cancer. It was such a difficult time for me and my daughter. The support we received from those in the district was incredibly heartwarming.  Many at CAO helped me figure out paperwork and taking leave. Colleagues and administrators sent flowers, meals, cards, and assistance. At Eastside, my child's teachers and principals gave my daughter comfort and support. I even received numerous cards, letters, and phone calls from former students offering their condolences.  We will be forever grateful for the kindness shown by so many when we needed it the most, and we feel fortunate to be a part of such a compassionate and generous school district and community.

Henry Hawkins, CHS Principal: She is a Principals Dream! She loves kids, teaches them and never has any problems. She is truly a great teacher!!! 

Alana Graham, CHS Asstistant Principal: Ms. Mills has a heart for teaching kids.  When you enter her classroom, the tone is set--you just want to sit down and read.  Not only does Ms. Mills set a tone for a love of reading and appreciation of literature, but she takes time for EACH of her students.  She encourages them and wants the best for every student in her classroom.  Ms. Mills is a teacher you will never forget!" 

Panther Spotlight: Jennifer Bradley

Panther Spotlight: Ginger Mills