As someone who has always had a passion for literacy and learning, James Elementary School third grade teacher, Alenia Frazier, was inspired to become an educator and help students gain confidence in their abilities at an early age.
“My students come to school excited to learn and enjoy reading books with me each day,” said Frazier. “One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is watching the relationships we build together grow over time and seeing each student make progress toward becoming the best version of themselves that they can be.”
Frazier has been teaching for three years with Kansas City Public Schools and has already made a name for herself in the community by completing the ‘Teach for America’ program and supporting local organizations such as ‘Children of Homicide Victims’.
“I’m incredibly proud of helping create a supportive environment where students feel valued, confident, and motivated to learn,” said Frazier. “I have the privilege of serving diverse learners who teach me something new every day.”
In her classroom, Frazier celebrates her students’ successes by rewarding them with praise, words of affirmation, and a welcoming smile. As each school year progresses, it’s easy for her to see her students grasp the concepts, lesson plans, and classroom structure that helps ensure a room that’s focused on learning and development.
“Watching students gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and realize their potential is incredibly rewarding,” said Frazier. “Being a part of that journey is what makes teaching truly priceless. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Throughout her journey in becoming an educator, Frazier was inundated with advice and tips from several of her mentors. One thing that resonated most with her was that in order to learn, you have to be willing to make mistakes. She’s taken that message to heart and instilled it in her classroom.
“Understanding this has made learning much more enjoyable and has helped remove the pressure of unrealistic expectations,” said Frazier. “This mindset has not only helped me build a strong classroom community, but it also helped me grow as both a teacher and a lifelong learner. There is always something new to learn in this profession, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process has helped me stay focused on my goal of becoming the best educator I can be.”
Frazier’s teaching style is characterized as supportive, engaging, and student-centered. Her determination to construct strong relationships with her students, foster a love for reading, and create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow as learners, has set her up for many years of success in the future.
“To me, a successful school year is one where, no matter what the ups and downs may be, we finish the year together feeling happy, proud, and confident in how much we have learned and grown,” said Frazier. “The relationships we build, the challenges we overcome, and the progress we make along the way are what truly make the year successful.”
“Alenia is selfless, frequently working at the library on the weekend and her days off, planning curriculum and gathering resources for her students and I am always so impressed when she talks about her class,” said Frazier’s nominator, Beth Chu. “Her excitement for teaching these children is palpable! She refers to her students with immense compassion and shares very thoughtful strategies that she uses to teach so all of her students can be successful. She is truly a gift to these children and I am certain that Alenia will be a teacher that students will look back and remember with great endearment.”
“The charismatic, charming, and personable features Alenia brings to the James Elementary School community are what make her a well-deserved Blue KC Sporting Samaritan,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC President. “Her passion for education and determination to go above and beyond to enhance the learning experience for her students is a remarkable quality that we’re honored to recognize. Congratulations, Alenia!
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritan.
