Jennifer Bell-London became an educator to make a difference in the community she was born and raised in. Bell-London said she always loved children and wanted to take the lead role.

“I feel like Vicksburg needs so much and if I’m one person who can help boost us up, then why not do it in your hometown,” Bell-London said.

Bell-London is in her second year teaching at Warrenton Elementary. She still has a lot to learn but is getting the hang of it. At first she was guarded and worried about making a mistake in front of them. She is more comfortable and open with the children this year opposed to her first year.

“They learn from me, and I learn from them,” Bell-London said.

Bell-London’s first encounter with teaching came in her childhood. Everyone in her neighborhood played “school” and she would always be the teacher. The neighborhood kids followed her instructions and she was able to get them in line. Bell-London said she was even able to get the students to raise their hands before speaking as well.

This early experience helped her with classroom management. Bell-London was well prepared for her initial first day of teaching by over-planning, which made it less hectic. In her first year teaching she was awarded for having the best classroom behavior. She also won teacher of the month for September 2014.

“My kids think I’m the most awesome teacher in the world,” Bell-London said.

Bell-London set a goal this year to make each student bigger and better than they were before they entered her classroom. She hasn’t had any difficulties this year concerning her students. She said that some students are very active and you have to really stay focused and determined to keep them on track.

Her efforts to make a difference have not gone unnoticed by parents. Bell-London recently received a letter from a parent thanking her for making this the best school year for their child.

The parent wrote in the letter the student is making new friends, kids have stopped being cruel to her and the student now has more self-esteem. The parent also wrote that the student has become more independent with homework and loves school again.

“When I get notes like these it just validates that I am here for a reason and I have a purpose. I’m not just another body,” Bell-London said.

Bell-London admired and looked up to her grandfather growing up. She watched him work hard and be a leader on his job at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Her grandfather was very determined and she knew she had to be determined as well. She didn’t want to fail in what she is doing and didn’t want to let her grandfather down as well.

Bell-London graduated top of her class from Jackson State University with the help of her husband.  He encouraged her to finish and would watch their two boys so she can focus on her studies. When she was tired Mr. London would get up with his wife and help her study or quiz her for an upcoming exam.

“I feel like my purpose is not just being a teacher in education,” Bell-London said. “I feel like I’m a counselor to some, a mother and father to some and a general friend.”