CINCINNATI, OH — April 24, 2024 — During the day, Jen Mott, Ed.D., is a school administrator at Mason City Schools and a graduate and former teacher of Sycamore Community Schools.
By night and on weekends, Mott transforms into a multifaceted performer, captivating audiences as a professional juggler, stilt-walker, balloon artist and fire performer for the Cincinnati Circus Company.
Recently, she celebrated the release of her two debut books, Teacherverance: Nurturing Hope While Embracing Perseverance in Education and Why Teaching?, while also headlining as the keynote speaker at a prestigious national conference hosted by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools in Las Vegas. Preceding her captivating address, guests were treated to a reception where Mott dazzled attendees, showcasing her flair for the circus arts by skillfully crafting balloons into various shapes, from whimsical hearts to lively animals and bold swords.
A book signing for both publications will be held on Friday, April 26, from 3:30-7 pm at Montgomery Public House.
“As a second-generation Sycamore student and teacher, I never could have imagined being able to build a life down the street from where I went to school,” says Mott. “I’ve stayed in touch with so many of these amazing teachers who helped me grow and shaped me as an educator to teach alongside them. And now I am grateful for the opportunity to write about them in my book to inspire others to become teachers.”
In her first book, Teacherverance, Mott delves into the pressing issue of teacher shortages, dissecting the four key domains that encapsulate the perseverance of educators committed to their profession.
The concept of “Teacherverance” is a fusion of these themes based on her dissertation research from her Doctoral Program at Xavier University. Mott also attended the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services for her undergrad.
The second book, Why Teaching?, is a picture book companion about a kid who wants to be a teacher while adults are suggesting otherwise due to how much teaching has changed over the years. When asked “Why Teaching?” the child answers with stories from the adults in their life about the impact the teachers have had on them and how the kid wants to have a similar impact on future generations.
Mott sheds light on the challenges of today’s educational landscape while emphasizing the indispensable role perseverance plays for teachers throughout their careers. Drawing on personal experiences and anecdotes shared by influential educators from her own academic journey, she unravels obstacles they faced within evolving societal norms and perceptions surrounding teaching.
Juggling her dedication to teaching with her flair for entertainment, Mott has masterfully intertwined her passions, crafting a unique blend that celebrates her profession while nurturing the minds of future generations of students and educators.
According to Mott, work is needed to encourage educators to stay in the profession by reminding them how much they—and their work—matter.
“I hope my book inspires others by providing clear steps for teachers to join me in trying new things, thinking outside the box, and incorporating these into doing what they love in all areas of life,” affirms Mott.
Book Signing: Teacherverance and Why Teaching?
· Friday, April 26
· 3:30-7 pm
· Montgomery Public House
· 7880 Remington Road, Cincinnati
Contact information:
513-314-5079
jenmott@theentertainingeducator.com
www.DrJenMott.com/books