The 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year always carries a Band-Aid in his wallet. During a recent visit with students at Harrison High School, McCutcheon High School and the Greater Lafayette Career Academy, Eric Jenkins shared that the Band-Aid is a reminder of advice he received from a good friend about becoming a teacher.

Students in the early childhood education class at McCutcheon High School understood the Band-Aid was not about first-aid. It represented recognition and connection.

“The Band-Aid represents how a teacher can connect with a student and be the person they are able to turn to,” says senior Kierstin Asay.

Classmate Alonda Vasquez added, “It’s to remind himself to always be open to vulnerability with his students. Even though you may ask students a surface-level question along the lines of ‘How are you?’ there can always be a student who needs the help of a trusted adult.” 

Jenkins shared that his journey to teaching began with a love for kids and a desire to make a positive impact. His career took him to classrooms in Nigeria and several U.S. states before he settled in Indiana, where he now teaches English at Franklin Community High School. He encouraged the students to become teachers, but cautioned them it can be challenging.

To emphasize this, Jenkins handed the students a piece of paper with a picture of a Band-Aid on it and asked them to write on the back. “Are you sure? Write that down to remind you on the hard days.” 

Alondra wrote: “Watching the class, as a group, progress through their academics and being able to help when the students may be struggling makes being a teacher a delightful experience.”

Kiersten wrote: “The passion I have to inspire and make a change in the world by helping create a safe, positive environment to welcome creativity and love in a classroom with my future students—yes, I am sure.”