A fifth-grade teacher's blend of fun and rigor earns high praise

Sara Ančnik Jemec, a fifth-grade teacher at Osnovna šola narodnega heroja Maksa Pečarja in Ljubljana's Črnuče district, describes herself as a teacher of two 'Z's: zabavna (fun) and zahtevna (demanding). Her classroom is a dynamic space where movement, dance, and theater are integral to learning, alongside didactic games.

“

She is very, very, very kind, supportive, very helpful, and much more.

Her students overwhelmingly praise her approach. Surya, a student, highlighted Jemec's kindness, supportiveness, and willingness to help. Nejc added that she is excellent at mediating conflicts and acts as a pillar of support, especially when students receive poor grades, helping them improve. Neža noted that while they have fun, they are also learning, and Jemec often takes them outdoors, understanding their love for nature.

“

For me, she is the best because if we argue, she helps us reach an agreement. She is a pillar of support if we get a bad grade. She helps us fix it.

Vid mentioned that the class prepares a surprise for her each school year, emphasizing her kindness and helpfulness with lessons and test-taking advice. Zarja believes Jemec has more imagination than any other teacher she's had, adding that she is creative, artistic, and cheerful. When asked if their teacher had any weaknesses, the students unanimously declared, "No! She knows everything!" Jemec herself humorously added, "I also know how to get angry."

“

We have a lot of fun during class, but we learn through fun. She often takes us out because she understands that we love nature and like being outside.

Jemec has known since childhood that she wanted to be a teacher, with no backup plan. She finds joy in her work, and her smile is constant. She believes her ability to connect with students comes naturally, with each class presenting a unique story. Having been a student, a mother, and now a teacher at the same school, she sees her role as continuous learning. She is always looking for ways to make lessons more interesting, even collecting stones during family vacations to paint, suggesting her students can expect continued creativity and engagement in their education.

“

Everything my classmates said is true. I would only add that our teacher has more imagination than any other teacher I've had so far.