Celebrating CAN. Ambassador and Educator Ms. Jenna Katlin’s Capstone Completion

GROWTH MINDSET COLLAB

In our journey to inspire and support those who embody the Spirit of CAN., and especially those who tackle the Science of CAN., we are incredibly proud to share an exciting update about Jenna Katlin, a dedicated teacher who has been making a difference in her classroom and beyond.

We first introduced Jenna in a previous blog post, where we shared how she was integrating the Spirit of CAN. mindset into her teaching. Now, after months of dedication and hard work, Jenna has successfully completed her capstone project, reinforcing her commitment to empowering students and fellow educators.

Her work is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. Through her research and lessons, Jenna has created resources that not only benefit her students but also serve as a guide for teachers across Hawaii and around the world. You can explore her insights and contributions here.

At Spirit of CAN., we believe in defeating "can't" for others, and Jenna is living proof of that vision. Her resilience, creativity, and dedication to her students continue to inspire us. Her enthusiasm for her work in the classroom is unmatched. We hope her journey encourages other educators to embrace the same mindset—breaking barriers and fostering an environment where students believe in their potential.

Growth Mindset Journaling: A Key Component of Jenna’s Capstone Project

One of the most impactful aspects of Jenna’s capstone project is her implementation of growth mindset journaling in her classroom. This practice encourages students to reflect on their goals, overcome challenges, and develop a resilient approach to learning.

Journal Entry #1: Discovering Your Potential with the Spirit of CAN. Jenna’s students begin their journey by setting meaningful goals and considering how they can work toward them. They reflect on questions such as:

• What goals do you have?

• What are your needs, and how are they met?

• What makes you happy?

• What is a goal for this quarter, and how will you achieve it?

Through this process, students learn to define their aspirations and recognize the support systems that help them succeed.

Journal Entry #2: Checking In and Following Through The next step in Jenna’s journaling method involves reflection on progress and overcoming obstacles. Students are prompted to consider:

• What goals have you set recently?

• What actions have you taken to achieve this goal?

• What barriers have you encountered, and how have you worked to overcome them?

• How are you caring for yourself while working on your goals?

By checking in regularly, students develop self-awareness, accountability, and the perseverance to push through challenges.

Journal Entry #3: Career Day and Beyond To connect their learning to real-world applications, Jenna’s students reflect on Career Day experiences and how a growth mindset can support their future ambitions. They explore:

• What career(s) stood out to you, and why?

• What did you learn from the professionals you spoke with?

• How might you approach a challenging situation differently now?

• How do you plan to take care of yourself while pursuing your goals?

These reflections reinforce the importance of resilience, curiosity, and well-being as students plan for their futures.

Jenna’s Impact: Defeating "Can’t" for Others

Jenna’s dedication to implementing growth mindset journaling exemplifies the Spirit of CAN. in action. By helping her students recognize their potential, she is equipping them with lifelong skills that extend beyond the classroom. Her approach empowers students to face challenges with confidence, believe in their abilities, and take meaningful steps toward their dreams.

Congratulations, Jenna! We are beyond stoked to support you and look forward to future collaborations!

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