Teacher Appreciation Week: Gina Frye Works to Make School "A Positive Place"

ALTON - For Gina Frye, school has always been “a positive place.” Now, she’s creating that space for her students.

Frye teaches second grade at Eunice Smith Elementary School in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is remembering the experiences that convinced her to become an educator.

“Growing up, school was always a positive place for me,” she shared. “I looked up to my teachers and wanted to be like them. I can’t remember wanting to do anything else.”

Frye always knew education was her pathway. Now, as a teacher, she works hard to provide that inspiration for her own students. Even if teaching isn’t their passion, she wants to make sure they’re set up for success no matter what they ultimately choose to pursue. A lot of that encouragement starts young, in her own classroom.

Second grade is a fun age to teach. Frye enjoys watching her students become more confident. She also loves knowing that they’re making connections with one another that have the potential to last a lifetime.

“Many children come in at the beginning of the school year afraid to make mistakes. Watching students learn to embrace their mistakes and learn from them is my favorite part of teaching,” she said. “I love to watch second grade students mature academically and socially. It’s fun to watch them develop real friendships with one another and become a community of learners.”

It can be difficult to manage the transformations that happen in the classroom every day while trying to find the “sweet spot” as a teacher. Frye is determined to make sure her students enjoy school but stay focused on learning. She maintains high academic standards for all students but understands everyone has different abilities, needs and strengths.

This balance can be difficult, but she handles it well. She works hard to make sure her students are supported, and she encourages them through all of their challenges and successes.

Outside of school, Frye enjoys gardening, taking walks, and watercolor painting. She is immensely thankful for her “incredible” teammates at Eunice Smith. She hopes she can continue to provide a positive, supportive environment for her students every day.

Thank you to Mrs. Frye for your work as a teacher!

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