Celebrating 12 Years of Mr. Will’s Impact

Mr. Will’s Journey Across 12 Years at High Road School

English teacher William “Mr. Will” Jenkins, known for his calm classroom environment and thoughtful instruction, is in his 12^th year of teaching at High Road School of Baltimore County.

Jenkins credits his high school English teacher, Jane Travis, with inspiring his decision to further his education. She encouraged him to join the theatre department, and because of her influence, Jenkins directed high school theatre before eventually returning to college to shift careers. After years as a graphic designer, he learned he genuinely loved working with teenagers and wanted to teach full-time.

When Jenkins applied for his first teaching assignment, he envisioned himself teaching English in a traditional public school. High Road offered the chance to stretch professionally.

“I thought I’d get my feet wet and move on when the time was right,” he admitted. His first group of students predicted he wouldn’t last until the end of the year. Jenkins saw that prediction as a challenge. Over a decade later, he remains part of the school community because he still loves the work, and the program allows him the flexibility to adjust curriculum in ways that directly support student success.

Developing His Role in the High Road Community

“It’s kind of a shock to realize that I’ve been doing this for so long,” he said. “It seems like yesterday was the first time I set foot in my own classroom, and it’s great to be looked at as a veteran staff member. Now, students entering my class for the first time have already heard from their friends what to expect.”

Supporting Student Success Through Literacy

Jenkins specializes in common core literacy and reading standards, helping prepare his students for college or post-secondary success, while also overseeing state testing requirements. More than anything, Jenkins hopes his students take the strong critical-thinking skills they’ve worked on into the real world. “I hope they don’t take everything they’re told, see, or read at face value without evaluating it themselves,” he said.

Mentorship and Collaboration With Colleagues

Among colleagues, Jenkins has found a deep sense of community. “We all have to be on the same page from day one,” he said, noting that this shared experience builds camaraderie quickly. Over the years, he has learned from both veteran educators and newer teachers, bringing fresh ideas to the table.

His student-teaching mentor, Bethany Yuninger, played a particularly influential role in shaping the classroom management practices he still uses today. Now, Jenkins pays his experience forward by mentoring both new and fellow staff. “I always love helping others come up with game plans or new ways to serve our students,” he said.

Honoring a Dedicated Educator

Recognition has followed his dedication – during the 2020-2021 school year, he received the school’s Teacher of the Year award. Though he felt he was “just doing my job”, he was honored that his work was noticed and celebrated.

Jenkins’ teaching philosophy is simple: “All students can learn if we help them find the right key that unlocks their understanding.”