The Biz of Kidder Elementary’s Elizabeth Rinkes
By Grace Napier, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- Math can be a tricky subject for many students, but Elizabeth Rinkes, a fifth-grade math teacher at Kidder Elementary, can make learning easier for students. This year marks Rinkes’ 14th year teaching, as she continues to help students learn and feel comfortable in her classroom.
Rinkes explained that she was inspired to be a dance teacher while assisting a dance class. There was a dancer who was struggling with a specific tap move, and she pulled her over to the side to work with her while the teacher continued the routine. The student worked so hard, and when it "clicked" for her, she absolutely lit up. After this moment, Rinkes knew she wanted to help people feel that joy every day for the rest of her life.
Rinkes was lucky enough to get a job right out of college. She went to Trine University in Indiana for four years to earn her teaching certificate, and then she began working right away in Lorain City Schools for 3rd grade. She started at Brunswick the following year. Rinkes hasn’t stayed with one subject her whole career, but she loves teaching 5th grade at Kidder in Brunswick. In 2017, Rinkes went back for her master’s degree at the University of Akron for Instructional Technology because of the increase in technology in classrooms, and she wanted to feel comfortable with this.
“I think the most challenging part is being able to give the students who need the most assistance the assistance they need while also not ignoring or abandoning the students who are self-sufficient,” Rinkes stated. “I never want anyone to feel like they don't matter, but it's hard to give everyone equal time within content.”
As the years have gone on, Rinkes learned that establishing relationships with students is very important. If a student doesn’t like who is teaching them, they won’t put the effort in, and when they do, they feel more comfortable learning, asking questions, or confiding in you. “My goal is to have all the students want to come to my class,” said Rinkes. “They may not like my subject; not many people like math, but I want them to feel welcome and enjoy coming to my room. We can teach the content after they're comfortable.”
Grace Napier, Brunswick Middle School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Image 0; Elizabeth Rinkes with BEAT journalist Grace Napier, being recognized at a past Brunswick Board of Education meeting; Rinkes with students and personally.