Episode 85: Fostering a Sense of Belonging with Jazz Rollins

Jasmine Rollins is a mom of four, a passionate K through 12 educator, a forever learner and storyteller. She creates learning opportunities and resources that empower teachers to celebrate their students' identities and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom. As a teacher, she's always used storytelling as a way to build connections and trust, through sharing her own stories and empowering students to do the same.

In this episode, we discuss Rollins’s journey as an educator and how she moved beyond the classroom. We also get into how she came to focus on fostering a culture of belonging within and outside of school.

Check out Jazz’s website.

 
 
 
 
 

Read the transcript for this episode:

Welcome to Educator Forever, where we empower teachers to innovate education. Join us each week to hear stories of teachers expanding their impacts beyond the classroom and explore ways to reimagine teaching and learning.

Jasmine Rollins is a mom of four, a passionate K through 12 educator, a forever learner and storyteller. She creates learning opportunities and resources that empower teachers to celebrate their students' identities and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom. As a teacher, she's always used storytelling as a way to build connections and trust, through sharing her own stories and empowering students to do the same. 


Welcome Jazz, so glad to have you here.


Jazz Rollins  

Hi, thank you for having me. I'm super excited.


Lily Jones  

Wonderful. Well, I always start with the first question being: tell us about your journey as an educator.


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah, of course. Um, so I did not take the traditional route to become a teacher. I dodged it for years, all through undergrad, I'm like, Nah, I think I'm gonna leave my major as it is. I have a bachelor's degree in Spanish. I minored in linguistics. And then after undergrad, I worked for a couple of years at an OBGYN office, and was super unfulfilled, like, very bored. So I found a master's program where I could continue to study Spanish. So I got my master's in Spanish language education degree only, no certification, because I was still like, Nah, I'm not gonna do it. Yeah. And then shortly after my partner and I got married, we moved to a different city. And I was volunteering at a high school supporting a multilingual classroom. And I loved it. I loved it so much. And so that's when I decided like, okay, like, let me stop running from education. Let me see what I can do to get an alternative certification. So I did. I don't know if you're familiar with Teach for America. That is how I got my initial certification. I have all this background and education. I had background in  Spanish. But I went through Teach for America. And that's how it happened. I ended up being able to stay in the region that we were in, which was the Southwest Ohio region. And that's where I started my journey as a certified teacher, although I think I've been an educator my whole life.


Lily Jones  

Right? It's just one way to be an educator, right? Yeah, absolutely. So tell us about your experience in the classroom. Like, what did you like? What was hard? How long did you teach for?


Jazz Rollins  

So I was in the classroom for six years, I taught middle school, sixth, seventh and eighth grade, English Language Arts, primarily, I was at a multilingual School, which was really cool, because I would, myself, do Spanish Immersion from first to eighth grade. So it was really cool to like see it from a different lens, like as a teacher. She also taught a little bit of Spanish at that school, just depending on what the need was, and how numbers were for FTEs and all that drama. So yeah, I did that for six years. And then my last year in the classroom, I guess, was 2020 2021. I decided that I wanted to explore my options and continue to grow as a teacher leader, and I've been coaching since then, like instructional coach roles. That's partly why I left the classroom. And then the other part was, that year was really tough with all the online teaching, having little kids, my kids were really young then, so we had to. And then at the end of that school year 2020-2021, we were expecting our third, and I just felt so exhausted, like, there's no way that I'm gonna be able to have three littles who are not even in elementary school themselves yet, and still be able to give 100% to the classroom. So I made the really difficult decision to kind of pivot and see where my impact could go. Being able to support teachers. Honestly, like, it's really tough to have, I don't tell people do it. Teachers who have been doing it for 20 plus years. I'm like, You did this when you had little kids like, I'm drowning here. So yeah, I've been doing instructional roles since then. Which has been nice. 


Lily Jones  

Yeah. I hear that. I mean, I left the classroom when my daughter was born. That was my first kid. Like, I can't like I again, like Yeah, people do it all the time. Hats off to you for doing it with two kids. Like, I could not imagine I taught kindergarten to so I was like, Yeah, I would go home and like, stare at a wall. You know? Don't talk to me. I can't be around children. Like I need space. And so maybe I was like, I don't understand. But I think that's real, you know, just it's the same part of our brains that are used in the classroom and being parents and it's so challenging.


Jazz Rollins  

 Yeah, it's like it's overload for sure. Like when we talk about overstimulation as parents it's  heightened when you're spending all day giving 110% to kids and then coming home and they’re not even being able to get like 5% of you. It just was alive.


Lily Jones  

Yeah, Yeah, absolutely. And it's like there's a finite amount of resources, a finite amount of you. So tell us about how you've started a teacher gram account on Instagram and kind of how did that come about? And how has that grown?


Jazz Rollins  

So I actually created a, I call it a teacher gram. Now, in 2019, I made it for my students, I created a classroom account that's hence the name classroom at Rollins to encourage my students and their families to follow me so that I could pump them up for a year long book challenge that we launched that year. So I'm like, okay, like, I can talk about reading all day long, like in person, but like, what about when we're on breaks? What about when they're at home, like, in front of their, you know, TVs, and like, with their devices in their hand, like text messaging on Tik Tok? Like, how can I like, get in front of them, like in a positive way, outside of like the school day? So I made an account then. And then COVID happened? Like, what, six months after I created it. So from there, I just kind of thought, like, how can I still show up in this space, without it being student focused. And I found several accounts, I can name a few here that I really felt like, encouraged by and inspired by, and I thought, well, like, I can use this as like a portfolio, which is kind of what it's turned into, like, here's some really cool resources. Here's what I think about this topic. And so it's just kind of evolved into a space where I share about the resources that I make. And then also, from time to time, which I want to get more into, I share stories from the classroom and how I connect them to real life experiences that people can use in the classroom space.


Lily Jones  

Oh interesting. I mean, I think it's so cool thinking about how it evolved to First up. I love that idea of creating it for kids as a motivational tool. But then I also really love the idea of an Instagram account as a portfolio. And like through the process of posting, I'm sure you got clarity on what directions you wanted to lean into, or what people responded to, was just like going for it and figuring out along the way. 


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah. And it's been nice, because it's like, it's mine. And there aren't any rules. Like I can make a shift or pivot whenever I feel like it. And it's just, it's nice. I don't put labels on it as much as I used to, like, there was a point in time where I stopped showing up there because I'm like, well, this isn't, this isn't what I want it to be or this isn't teacher gram worthy. And then that was exhausting. And it took the fun out of it. And so now when I just do what feels right, like I have not been able to monetize, right, exactly.


Lily Jones  

Yeah. It's like, I want to watch people who are having fun, right? Exactly. excited about what they're posting, not like, oh my gosh, it's Wednesday, and I said I was gonna post like, let me just put something out there. Yeah. Yeah. Do you think about the energy behind it when you're reading it? So I love that too. Like, give yourself permission, like no rules, whatever you want to post and see how it goes and see how it goes. Yeah. And know, you create resources that can tell us about this?


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah, I do. So um, right now the big focus is on things like journal prompts, things that give kids an opportunity to learn more about themselves. I'm looking at my notes here because I can ramble. No, I want to stay on course, just like figuring out ways to position kids to think about who they are, who they want to be, and then really reflecting on how they can be active parts of their community. So a lot of journal prompts a lot of reflecting. I think my first resource that I put on there was a mood tracker that I was using with my kids. And then from there, it's just evolved into all things journal writing, like, Oh, we're doing like, the hero's journey journal like, and then it turned into like, oh, like, Let's do more like identity focused journals, like, oh, let's do monthly journals. So it's a lot of identity focused work.


Lily Jones  

Yeah, that's great. And I know a lot of that also focuses on belonging. So can you talk to us about your definition of belonging and the resources you create around belonging? Yeah, absolutely.


Jazz Rollins  

So I have a shirt that has my definition. On it, it says to belong, to take up space as your full self, your most authentic self, and to be accepted without any borders or conditions like so to fully be accepted? Not it's not like this conditional thing, like, Oh, if you look this way, or you sound this way, then you're accepted. Or if you are part of this social group, then you're accepted. It's literally belonging is all about showing up as your true authentic self and feeling safe to be able to do that wherever you are. Beautiful.


Lily Jones  

Yeah, I mean, I think that's so important for everybody, particularly like communicating to students but also for teachers. And so I think you know, I've had the experience in schools many have where they can't really necessarily be their whole selves, or show up as their whole selves. And can you talk about how you've experienced that? Or why do you think it's important for teachers to show up as their whole selves?


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah, so this idea of like, belonging comes from my first year of teaching. I shared earlier that I went through Teach the Teach For America process. And back then I don't know how it is now. But the interview process was like speed dating. And I had several different interviews with different schools. One of the interviews that I had was with a school that I was volunteering at, and I ended up getting a full time job there. As an assistant teacher, I was really hoping like, I'm just going to stay here, this is going to work out perfectly for me. I was going to teach high school Spanish there, everything was like the stars were aligning, it was just going to be great. But that interview went really well. And then I had to take Spanish. I studied Spanish in undergrad. I studied Spanish my whole life. I have a master's in Spanish language, but I have severe test anxiety. So the first time I took the Spanish teaching exam, or certification exam, whatever you wanna call it, I didn't pass. And so my job offer to that school was conditional. And like, oh, my gosh, like the pressures on like, I've got to, like, what do I need to do? Like what you know, book? Can I get to like studying to pass the test, stressing me out? I'm like, getting ready thinking about it. To be back in the job where I ended up accepting a role that interview was the most what word am I looking for it? It was such a good experience, it almost like was like one of those things where you're like going through these interviews and you're meeting people, your shoulders are up, like you've got your blazer on, you're sweaty. And at that point, like I just got my hair straight. And I have really big hair. It's straight right now. But I got my hair straightened because I wanted to appear professional. That's a whole nother thing. And so immediately, I don't know if it was just their smiles, how they welcomed me. I could put my shoulders down during this interview, and they asked me questions in Spanish. Normally, I like freeze up and can't think of words in English or in Spanish. But with them, I felt really comfortable. I'm like, I feel safe. And they offered me a position to teach middle school language arts, which is what I was going to be teaching which, which is what I taught. And initially, I'm like, first of all, I don't even like middle schoolers. Second of all, like, what do you what do you mean, you want me to teach language arts. So it's just kind of like one of those things. I'm like, Oh, my gosh, here we go. Like, I'm going to have to take an additional like certification exam to get that to get that licensure. And the principal, he says to me, you are hired, no conditions, like we're going to take you as you are, like, you get you will we support you like whatever it is that you need from us, like we're in your corner. And I'm like, Oh my gosh, like I actually belong at this school. Like I don't have to have this like checkbox of things. In order to get offered a job like you're taking me as I am in that felt really good. And then also, when I went to tour the school for the first time I got my keys, it was in the middle of the summer. I felt it again, I'm like, Oh, this isn't just like an interview frame. Like this is for real. My principal, a black male, he was walking through the building, like in his gym shoes and like, a comfy outfit. And it just felt really good to one be able to see a school leader look like me and then to, to, he was very clearly being himself. I'm like, it's, it's actually, it's okay for me to come here and be myself. And that felt really good. And I think that was like the first time that I realized what it truly meant to belong. For the longest I feel like and even still, sometimes today, certain spaces, there are parts of me that are not okay to, to let out. Mm hmm.


Lily Jones  

Yeah, I mean, that's such a beautiful story of like, the contrast to it also reminds me so much of different school experiences that kids have, where they feel, you know, like they belong and accepted as they are versus very, like, rules and tests and things that you have to do or not do. And so I love also that your story involved, you know, not only welcoming you as a whole human that you are but also like letting go of this test, which didn't matter. You know, like you had that all these things like you could do the job and absolutely no frustrating I think so many things about education where it's like, you have to check off this books or like, get this score or whatever it might be, when it's not really what matters.


Jazz Rollins  

Exactly. And just to be clear, too, like I do have my certification. I pass all the exams under this idea of like, Go Go Go or you can't work here. It was like, Hey, you can work here. And we'll work towards getting that to like, imagine if we met kids with that same energy, like you're accepted, regardless of your background, you're accepted, regardless of your experience you belong. Without any conditions. I'm not sure it says with no conditions, like it's unconditional. So yeah, and I think it's true, like what you said about teachers, we do like educators, we do find ourselves in spaces where we have to shrink who we are. And that's so fun.


Lily Jones  

Yeah, and if you're a teacher who feels like that, and then teaching kids from that space, like it really just perpetuates. And so I think really allowing teachers or encouraging teachers and everyone, right, like, what can you do to create a place of belonging for yourself and for others, right, like, Absolutely, I love it. Awesome. So thinking about your journey beyond the classroom, I think we've gotten into some of this, but I would love to hear any reflections of just like, what you've learned by about yourself, but through being a teacher moving beyond the classroom, starting your own thing, like what have you learned about yourself both personally and professionally.


Jazz Rollins  

So I think like, a lot of times teachers hold their teacher identity to this really high standard of like, this is the only thing that I'm good at, or like, this is the only place where I can make an impact. And so what I've learned is that I can still make a difference, and have strong, impactful connections with people outside of the classroom. Like, that's not just who I am as a teacher, like it's who I am, as a person, and just reminding myself that there's power in taking our teachers what we think are ONLY Teacher skills, but like taking those skills, and transferring them to other parts of our life and not just our teacher identity.


Lily Jones  

Absolutely. And like you said before, it's like you were a teacher, before you were a quote unquote, teacher that you're after you're a quote, unquote, teacher. Interesting, like, I just led a workshop an hour ago for our educator forever network members about really connecting to your core beliefs. And having those kind of propel you in your next chapter, whether it's in the classroom or beyond. And I think that really fits into what you're saying, you know, like, being able to have your core beliefs being able to have your identity as an educator. And it can be, you know, expressed in so many different ways. So


Jazz Rollins  

yeah, for sure, I agree. I totally agree. And then another thing that's really awesome, I think about being like, like a forever educator, is that you've planted seeds, like we've all planted seeds, some of them, we don't get to see sprout or grow immediately, because we've decided to leave and go beyond the classroom. And so it's exciting to see like, even when we're gone, things are still happening for the kids that we served. And so that's a really good feeling to like, you're going from place to place, and you're infusing your energy into kids into teachers, if you're a coach. And so whatever space you you know, you land after leaving the classroom, like, I just think it's really important to remember that we can make a difference wherever we are.


Lily Jones  

Absolutely. And that learning experience builds upon each other. So it's like, whatever you're doing, you're taking that experience that you had with your students, you're taking those memories of your students, like, I still think about, like five year olds from, you know, 20 years ago. Like they're not five. No, I know, they're all like graduating college, which is really crazy. But still, it's like having this I mean, it's a privilege, right? Like, it's like to be able to be in the lives of so many different kids and to be able to learn from them and so many different educators and that you take all that learning forward with you. Yeah, and really build upon it.


Jazz Rollins  

Yep. Awesome.


Lily Jones  

So thinking about advice for teachers who might be feeling like they don't want to be a classroom teacher anymore, but they want to do something in education. What would you tell them?


Jazz Rollins  

I love this question. So I think like, as teachers, we are always empowering our students to be creative, be curious, explore. Like, I wonder what would happen if we gave that same advice to ourselves?


Lily Jones  

We do.


Jazz Rollins  

So I think just like my like advice, like my encouragement is like, be curious. Like, don't limit yourself to like a certain box, be willing to be creative, explore different things and see where it lands you and I feel like that's kind of where my classroom de Rollins jazz Rollins, like content has taken me just thinking about like, what do I like to do? Oh, I like to design journals. I like to make reflection questions. I like to ask thought provoking things. seems to get people thinking about like who they are and like, why they matter. And so just being curious and not really just giving yourself grace and treating yourself the way that you treat your kids, your students.


Lily Jones  

I absolutely agree. I often give the same advice and have done it myself. But think about like, what would I tell my students in this situation? Yeah, especially I think about it in terms of like failure or like growth mindset. Like I would always tell my students like, that's how we learn, like, we learn by making mistakes. And then it's like, when you're a grown up making mistakes, it doesn't feel so good. Yeah.


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah. You know, give yourself the same grace and the same, like, pep talk. Exactly.


Lily Jones  

So it's like, yeah, how can we give ourselves a pep talk? How can you kind of lean into those things that you already say, but almost don't give yourself permission to do with you? You know, that's really focused on students, but often, I think teachers already know like, we know what would be really the best way to move forward and so giving yourself that permission.


Jazz Rollins  

Yeah, absolutely. I agree. Awesome.


Lily Jones  

Well, jazz, how can people connect with you and learn more about your work?


Jazz Rollins  

Um, so I am on Instagram classroom de Rollins. I have not changed it. I thought several times like, oh, maybe I need to change it because I'm not in it. But no, it's still a learning space. So on Instagram classroom de Rollins, and then I'm also on Tik Tok, not as frequently as Instagram. You can also find me on LinkedIn as Jasmine Rollins. And then I have a website where you can learn about all the things that I'm doing, it's jazz, Rollins, Jay Z, Z rollins.com. Wonderful.


Lily Jones  

I will put all the links in the show notes as well. Awesome. Thanks so much for joining us. It was so nice to talk with you. 


Jazz Rollins  

Thank you so much. I appreciate you.


Transcribed by https://otter.ai

Lily Jones