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| Baria Jennings |
Note from Tina Schrell:
You are such an extraordinary woman, that exude confidence,intellect, beauty, and elegance. What a dynamic mixture of sophistication. You are a role model for young women around the globe. When I reached out, you welcomed the idea with such enthusiasm, I can only imagine how that same energy translates through your life as a whole and specifically in the area of teaching, and I’m sure it charges up the students that would be otherwise demotivated. You’re a great depiction of a successful women and to top it off; you are Woman of God. I celebrate you Baria Jennings for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for taking thetime to share your life story with me and the world. Love you, xoxox.
Letʼs talk with the Teacher:
Tina Schrell: You’re a native New Yorker, will you ever move back here? What was your inspiration for
moving to Atlanta Georgia (Or is it Augusta?)
Baria Jennings: Yes, I am a thoroughbred New Yorker, born and raised in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn. I do miss it from time to time. I always say that I must come home to get my ample dose of all that New York offers, and then I’m good for a while. But, my husband and I have family here in Augusta, G.A., and the combination of the slower pace for the children & support system of the immediate family members hugely impacted our decision to relocate. Southern hospitality is a plus, as well (smile). As you well know, if you use manners while bumping into someone on a crowded train in New York, they look at you as if you have three eyes. Here in the South, the culture is one where manners and reverence for elders is upheld, and those are some of the values my husband and I would like to pass on to our children. So the bottom line is the South won me over, but Brooklyn still holds my heart. I am truly thankful for my inner-city upbringing. I was exposed to many things as a child, but I was equally protected by my family without being sheltered from the realities of life. My childhood consisted of so much love from my family and good times simply being a child that it superimposed the frequent occurrences of shootings, empty crack containers on the playground, drug dealers and such. Love and values from family are powerful things. They are what make you when all is said and done. That was my foundation. I am a Brooklyn butterfly. It is where I cocooned and emerged into the woman who you see today. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tina Schrell: Would you say you are fulfilling your destiny through the service of teaching?
Baria Jennings: Teaching is certainly a calling; a calling and a gift as you know from your reading of the Bible. 1 Corinthians refers to teaching as one of the spiritual gifts, and I have always been innately a teacher. I can remember being sort of the bossy kid getting my cousins and friends together to teach or just tell them what to do. But, even more than that, I was always looking for the lesson in whatever life offered. See, teaching is more than sharing what you know with others. The best teachers are lifelong learners. I figured out early on that there was a lesson in everything. I have always had an old soul and hung out with older people. But, when older girlfriends of mine would go through things, I would always vicariously put myself in their predicaments and ask what is the lesson here? So, in some ways the lessons were so apparent to me. This sensitivity to life truths along with the gift of discernment helped me to learn about life without following the path of others. I thank God for these gifts, because I figured out pretty early that you will continue to get the same life lessons until you pass the test. Teachers are leaders who are bold enough to share what they know in order to illuminate the path of others who might otherwise not have any opportunity to be enlightened. I do that everyday for young people and I believe this to be a huge part of my purpose on this Earth-not just in my classroom of 5th graders but wherever God says “Go and share my light”, there I will be. Girl, don’t make me shout right here!! (laughter).
Tina Schrell: So you are a teacher out in Augusta. Tell me about your experience as a teacher?
Baria Jennings: Well, I studied education in undergrad, and decided to pursue it fully after that fateful day on 9/11/01 that changed the infrastructure of our country as we knew it. Again, it was what is the lesson for me, here? I was working in a law firm in a skyscraper in the city at the time while going to school. Needless to say, after the terrorist attacks on New York, it changed the way many of us viewed life. I believe God’s permissive will allowed that to be a time of redemption and resurrection for the Kingdom. For me, it was then that I decided to begin working in the area that I believed to be purpose driven for my life: education. Now, 10 years later and three college degrees in education later, I am still working in the field of education to make a difference in the lives of young people. And, I have not confined God’s calling on my life to the walls of a classroom or school building. I truly believe that I have much to share with my community and the global tapestry. Our children need encouragement. They need to hear the little voice that whispers to them “You are worthy. You are the only one who can do what you do”,amplified. I want to be that amplified voice for our children whose voices have been muted.
Tina Schrell: What do you feel you’re legacy or aim is in the lives of students the you’re assigned
to teach? Is it more to you than just teaching standard lessons?
Baria Jennings: Wow! For every child, in whatever capacity, that I ever taught from preschoolers to high schoolers, the message has always been leadership. I think I have become pretty good at teaching the standards. The standards are simple to teach. Differentiating instruction and really getting to know the children that you are teaching is so important. Educators talk about differentiating instruction, but that means nothing if you don’t take the time to learn how each student learns. That means you have to actually have conversations with these kids, learn about their home life, figure out what makes them tick, what their interests are. If you are a teacher, and you can’t find the time to do that, then you may as well forget ever teaching them in a sustainable way. What is the first thing, a plumber, computer engineer, or mechanic does when you want them to fix something? After asking a few diagnostic questions, they open up the pipes, motherboard, or engine to see what’s really going on inside? We have a bit of a problem in some areas of this country on the educational front, and unless educators take the time to open up the cognitive, social, and behavioral machinery, so to speak, we will continue to attempt to diagnose problems instead of providing the individualized treatment that our students so desperately need. So, back to legacy…you see I get passionate about this topic! To answer your question, I hope that my legacy as an educator is one of true compassion, fervent advocacy for student needs, and fostering leadership in each and every child.
Tina Schrell: How does teaching students impact your life? What things did you learn thus far?
Baria Jennings: Teaching has further emphasized that inkling that I had as a young girl, that there is always something to learn. I literally learn something each day along with my students, and that excites me. It has made the learner in me crave new ways to approach a topic, and my students each year are so dynamic and diverse that each one comes to me with something to offer. I call them my “divine assignments”, because that is exactly what they are. I don’t take it lightly that God sent me these beings for 180 days, and I really do try to make a difference in each life. I learned that if I am bored, so are my students. So, my classroom stays pretty lively! We dance, sing, and act in every class from Math to Social Studies. So, teaching is really a gift in itself. Because I love learning, I want to infect my students with that same passion for learning, and it is fun. We have a good time!
Tina Schrell: What grade do you teach and the subjects?
Baria Jennings: I currently teach 5th grade: English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Tina Schrell: You have a background in the arts specifically dancing. I love it. Do you incorporate
your dancing expertise into lessons or in interactions with students and audiences?
Baria Jennings: Yes! In fact, my approach to teaching and learning is of the Multiple Intelligences theory, which basically was based on Howard Gardner’s idea that some of us are linguist, others are more visual-spatial, musical, logical-mathematical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, bodily/kinesthetic, and naturalist. This idea makes so much sense when you begin thinking of best instructional practices and the ways that we all learn. So, I incorporate it all and hope to reach various types of learners. My Master’s degree was actually in Integrated Teaching through the Arts. So, I still teach dance, but I also incorporate all art modalities across the curriculum.
Tina Schrell: Which college did you attend, and your major?
Baria Jennings: I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bay Path College; a Master of Education from Lesley University in Integrated Teaching through the Arts, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Augusta State University. This last degree was essentially the beginning of a Doctoral degree, but I will probably take a little break to reflect on what God says my next move should be on the educational front.
Letʼs talk with the Author, and Public Speaker:
Tina Schrell: Not only are you teacher but you’re an accomplished Children’s Book Author, “Girls Are Little Earthquakes” Tell me about that project. What or who inspired this?
Baria Jennings: I actually started this book while working on my Master’s degree. I always wanted to write a children’s book, but wanted it to have a lasting message for our youth. I am a poet, so I sort of just sat down and began writing with the idea that I wanted to write something for girls that would be the antithesis of this implied cultural norm of “sugar and spice, and everything nice…that’s what little girls are made of.” We’ve heard that message and it was duly noted, but we are so much more than that. So, the book is really written in the spirit of girls as world-changers, the opposite of “seen and not heard.” It is a book that proclaims we were fearfully and wonderfully made, we are here for a unique purpose-each of us, we are meant to cause damage when the outcome is something bigger than us. We must shake things up sometimes, with our innate gifting, talents, and abilities…We are Earthquakes! And, the book is not only for the little girl, it is for the women that have the ability to inspire a little earthquake girl---the “Big Earthquakes” that most powerful women have had to mentor them along the way. So, the message is really intended to inspire both girls and women to be bigger, better, rumbling versions of ourselves. I think every girl and women will get the message and live it, as they shake this world up for the better! In fact, I am also working on an inspirational book for women now.
Tina Schrell: I hear that you’re working on a book for little boys. When can we expect that one to
make it’s debut?
Baria Jennings: The new book, “Boys Are Mountain Movers” will be released at the top of 2012, and I am really excited about this one, as I am the mother of two great boys!
Tina Schrell: As an author; you do book tours and public speaking events. Are the public
speaking events in relation to the book or some other initiatives as well? Expound.
Baria Jennings: Absolutely! I have had the opportunity to have several book signings since the book’s release last year, and I have had many exciting speaking engagements. However, I must say that I believe, the best is yet to come for this “Earthquake” movement. I am working on starting a non-profit mentoring network and so many other exciting engagements for the New Year. God is truly awesome, and moving me in the direction of His purpose all the time. For that, I am truly grateful.
Tina Schrell: What are some other things you do or plan to do with the theme, “Little Girls Are An Earthquake”?
Well, one of the reasons that I decided to self-publish was because the Lord works with me in the area of vision, and I knew that there would be derivatives of the initial title that I didn’t want to be compromised. So, there will definitely be much more to come from G.A.L.E. Stay tuned!
Letʼs talk with the Wife, and Mother:
Tina Schrell: Not only are you a successful teacher, author, and public speaker: You’re also a
wife of Mr. Choice Jennings (I like that name) and the mother of two lovely children.
Tina Schrell: How long have you been married? By the way, I attended the ceremony and It was very nice.
Baria Jennings: Yes!!!(blushing) These men are so essential to the balance of Baria Leshea Jennings! (Ha!) They keep me together. My husband and I are high school sweethearts, and have been together for 14 years! Whooo! I know-long time right? So, he is definitely the Yin to my Yang, and honey I am a whole lot of Yang!!! Yes, kudos to Mr. Jennings for holding me down, because Lord knows he tries his best to keep up with my vision and dreams. But, it is a whole lot! He does it with true integrity and patience though. I love that man, and our boys complete our family!—Emphasis on COMPLETE! (laughter)
Tina Schrell: How have the married life impacted you as an individual?
Baria Jennings: You know, marriage is a lesson in itself, and if you are lucky enough to register in the class and not withdraw after the initial tests, there is much to be learned and gained from the experience. You know, it is during the seed form of anything that the Enemy comes to destroy and conquer—before it can even take root. This is why the beginning stages of anything is usually the most tumultuous and fragile. This applies to everything from the first trimester of pregnancy and the genesis of a dream manifested. This is also true of marriage—so all of the newlyweds out there, don’t give up. You have to give marriage time to take root, water the relationship daily with communication, and give it the nurturing sunshine of quality time. Put God first and marriage is not only doable, but a beautiful thing! My husband and I have evolved together, and we continue to grow as individuals and as corporate unit.
Tina Schrell: How do you juggle all the many hats you wear?
Baria Jennings: People ask me this all the time, and the simple answer is “But God.” You know that as women, we are the ribs and the helpers, so there is so much that we want to fix in the world. However, it is also easy to become overwhelmed by all that lies on our shoulders, some of it by our placing. So, when I feel like giving up, I just say to myself, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!” And then, when I really lose focus I remember 2 Corinthians 3:3, that calls for our lives to be a “letter to God.” When it is all said and done, nothing that I do or experience here on Earth has anything to do with me-really. It is all about how I used my life to serve others, and that is the focal point that keeps me balanced as I labor here in the Earthly realm.
Letʼs Have Girl Talk:
Tina Schrell: Are you a mommas girl or daddies girl?
Baria Jennings: My mom is my rock and raised me along with my grandmother, but the older I get I see so much of the free-spirit, creative, grinding/entrepreneurial spirit of my father in me. I love both of them, and each have influenced my Queendom! (smile)
Tina Schrell: By the way, the natural hair is lovely on you. How long was that process?
Baria Jennings: Thank you. The natural hair was a natural evolution of my womanhood. I always wanted to do, just didn’t know when I would. But, I have been natural now for about a year and a half and I just cut it off one day. In the natural arena, we call that the “big chop.” It has been very liberating and I’d do it again 100 times. Did you
I wan’t to do that but to start a fresh is a challenge, and
besides i’m not sure what it looks like with no hair. Lol
-You should try it, just because you can. We have the liberty as women to reinvent ourselves anytime we want, and I take full advantage of that freedom! Lol…Do it Tina, do it! Then throw on a wig, braid, or weave it up if you don’t like it. You have options!! Lol…
Tina Schrell: Name and describe one miraculous thing that happened in your life.
Baria Jennings: Well, I know it sounds cliché, but each day that I have breath and a fully operable mind, body, and spirit is miraculous to me. However, 3 years ago, I was hit by a drunk driver with an open container in his vehicle, while I was 9 months pregnant. My car was completely totaled, but my baby and I came out unscathed. He just turned 3, and is as intelligent and fabulous as ever. I know that the only reason we escaped that potentially fatal accident was due to prayer. That morning, before leaving my driveway, I held my older son’s hand and prayed specifically for the encampment of angels about our vehicle and I know that there were angels covering us that morning. There are so many other things that the Lord has allowed me to see, if I shared I might freak you out, but one thing I know for sure…God is the realest thing there is on this Earth and there is no doubt in my mind that a beautiful Heavenly realm exists. Team Jesus over here, for sure! (lol).
Tina Schrell: To conclude for now, Where can we find more about you and what you do?
Baria Jennings: You can check out;
For speaking engagements and empowerment workshops or book signings;
Thank you so much, Big Earthquake Tina Schrell for your time. I wish you and your movement love, peace, and progress. Continue to press into purpose, love!
Click Picture Below to Purchase,
"Little Girls Are An Earthquake"
