Teacher Spotlight: Naugatuck Educator Goes Above And Beyond

NAUGATUCK, CT — Great teachers matter. In Naugatuck, we’re fortunate to have teachers like Jodi Burns.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Johnna Granton, who nominated Jodi Burns, of Naugatuck:

How do you know the teacher?

My son's first grade teacher at Maple Hill Elementary.

What does this person teach?

First grade.

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

Mrs Burns goes above and beyond just teaching first grade. My son JJ was in kindergarten when COVID-19 closed schools and was in Mrs Burns first grade class upon return to school. She’s amazing. She helps move the drop off pick up line right along. She does a Hoops for Homework after program after school where she helps kids with homework and then teaches foundational skills in basketball.

My JJ has a ton of anxieties and she's been the best at making him at ease and helping me help him as well. He’s in fourth grade now and still has a great relationship with Mrs Burns. She came to his baseball games. She really supports her students, and it doesn't just end when they move on to second or third.

I had some troubles with JJ staying focused and she makes sure to invite him to her classroom if he needs a movement break. She’s truly a great teacher and advocate and human being in general.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

She's a rare find. She doesn't just leave her work at school. She'll go above and beyond.

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