Jamaica Elementary School’s “Crocs” pledge to be:

 Caring and careful

Respectful and responsible

On Time

Can do attitude

Safe and successful

Liane Stancil, Bonnie Helman, and Jamie Hammer are teachers and team leaders at Jamaica Elementary School. And they assist the school’s students and staff live out their Crocs pledge. Liane Stancil teaches the fourth grade, Bonnie Helman teaches the first grade, and Jamie Hammer teaches the third grade.

The three teachers strive to educate and inspire their students and colleagues, ultimately creating a positive environment for everyone.

Liane Stancil teachers her class at Jamaica Elementary School. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Being a Jamaica team leader means I get the opportunity to take my years of experience and help others grow and learn as professionals by being an example. A team leader is responsible for relaying important information in a timely manner. In order to keep a strong team, communication is extremely important,” Stancil said.

A team leader at Jamaica Elementary is a mentor for teachers inspires teamwork and positivity throughout the team. They create plans for presentations, attend meetings to collaborate with other team leaders, schedule presenters and more.

“I’m a source of information and knowledge to help my coworkers perform their job, and a person to come to in time of need,” Helman said.

As Hammer put it, “Being a team leader means working with a team to empower teachers and provide support to do what is best for our students.”

The trio all agree that Jamaica Elementary is a great place to work.

Bonnie Helman works with a student in her classroom at Jamaica Elementary School. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Jamaica Elementary is so special because we all support and treat each other with respect. If one member of staff needs help with a specific student or a personal hardship no one ever hesitates to step up and help out. I’ve witnessed it many times during my career at Jamaica Elementary,” Stancil said.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love working with kids and being a part of their success stories.  I could not imagine doing anything else,” Hammer said.

“We showcased these teachers this week because they are exemplary models of education on our campus,” Jamaica principal Andrea Helart said.

“They’ve been teaching at Jamaica for several years and they can mentor other teachers, so they follow through and provide exceptional instruction for our students,” she said.