Last updated 14 months ago 
SACRAMENTO, CA - She grew up thinking she wanted to be a cardiologist but instead Jennifer Brinzer helps students find what's in their hearts.
Brinzer said some volunteer work steered her into the classroom.
"In college, I was a counselor at some muscular dystrophy camps during the summer," she said. "My mom also ended up being a teacher. I think she kind of inspired and directed me toward teaching as well."
Brinzer teaches math at Sutter Middle School in Sacramento. After seven years she still enjoys urging her students to improve.
"I have the best job in the world," Brinzer said. "It doesn't feel like work to me. I get to be around the kids all day and do the things I love."
Brinzer also teaches physical education which she works to make a fun experience by dividing students into teams that have to cross an imaginary river without touching the ground. Students grab small rolling carts, rope, hula-hoops and pieces of carpet, and brainstorm how they can get to the other side of the river without drowning.
Most decide to have students shimmy across the floor on the carpet, and use the rope and hula-hoops to pull others sitting on the rolling carts.
"I think it's a source of confidence-building for the kids," Brinzer said. "They may not be doing really great in the classroom but they might be an all star at running or doing push-ups. They feel better about themselves when everyone celebrates their athletic achievements."
She also coaches basketball, swimming, water polo and soccer. Her teams are known for their winning ways.
Brinzer said she hopes all the time she spends with students pays off. "I hope I can be a positive role model for them and they look back on their junior high years and think Mrs. Brinzer steered me in the right direction," she said.
News10/KXTV
