To The Head of the Class: Northborough Patch's Teacher of the Year

A few years back, teacher Jennifer Tobin-Hunt, first grade teacher at the   found herself standing in front of a rather "challenging group of students." Not just challenges in academics, but behavioral, too. Among the mix was a sweet girl who had just been exposed to the English language in Kindergarten. She spoke very little, and her family was originally from Brazil, with parents who spoke only Portuguese.

"I was told she was a tough one to motivate and could become very defiant at times," Tobin-Hunt said. "I realized I had my work cut out for me. Now, I had the task of teaching this little girl how to read, write and develop math skills and number sense."

It inspired her to write a grant for all the ELL students in her first grade class. With the grant, Tobin-Hunt was able to provide picture/word books, workbooks and other materials. The Brazilian girl eventually progressed so well that by the end of the year, she was reading, writing, speaking and comprehending English, and "feeling great about it, too."

And so did Tobin-Hunt.

She was among the many nominations for teacher of the year, and those who suggested her commented on not only her skills, but intense determination and patience in dealing with her students - some students that others may have let fall by the wayside.

"Mrs. Hunt taught my son in first grade and was amazing with him, " wrote Dr. Danielle Hanlon in her nomination. "At that time, it came to light that my son had some very signigicant learning disabilities and she was so dedicated to him and my family in helping us navigate all the testing and implementing his IEP. She never gave up on my son and made him feel so safe and accepted in his learning environment, which gave him a good foundation to build on. He is now in fifth grade and is thriving, thanks to Mrs. Hunt."

It's a testament not only to Tobin-Hunt, but judging by the many heartfelt nominations this year, the Northborough schoolteachers in general. 

"As a teacher, I feel that patience, kindness and respect should be the foundation of any classroom environment," Tobin-Hunt said. "I think it's true that children learn best when they feel safe, comfortable and valued. I firmly believe that teachers really do impact and influence children's lives, daily."

This is Tobin-Hunt's eighth year teaching first grade, the past seven of them at the Peaslee School. Prior to that, she taught first grade for one year at theas well as two years of second grade at Peaslee.

Living most of her life in Northborough, she attended Northborough public schools and says she knew she wanted to be a teacher ever since taking child development courses at Algonquin High School, as well as working in the Tiny Tomahawks Preschool with Meg Stebbins. Tobin-Hunt also worked at the Northborough and Southborough Extended Day Programs after school.

She received her teaching degree from Worcester State College, and has three sons of her own. Recently, after getting married in August, Tobin-Hunt moved to Swampscott.

As to why she enjoys teaching first grade, Tobin-Hunt said, "They are sweet, honest and pure. I love their eagerness to learn everything. When kids are this age, they still possess a wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Plus, this is the age that kids begin to learn to read and write."

Any teacher will tell you that the state of education is changing, and the challenges not only increase, but change depending on the environment, as well as the government.

"The typical classroom today does not look like the classrooms of the past," Tobin-Hunt said. "We have a more diverse group of students to teach - students with special education needs, learning disabilities, mental health issues, as well as children whose first language is not English."

To Tobin-Hunt, she feels that there is more differentiation on instruction, and a focus on the individual learner. In classes that sometimes exceed 20 students, the challenge of providing this one-on-one attention can be tough.

"I am not saying that this standard of achievement cannot be reached," she said. "I am saying that if we, as a society, as a country, are going to have these high expectatons of our students' performances and hold our teachers accountable, then we must find a way to support our teachers."

Tobin-Hunt won a gift card to Britney's Cafe.

Shiny Apples: Other Nominations for Teacher of the Year Include:

Ariella Greenspan, third grade teacher at Peaslee Elementary School

Jane Fraizer, first grade teacher at the Lincoln Street School

Donna McAuliffe, fourth grade teacher at Peaslee Elementary School. 

Stephanie Dennington, first grade teacher at the Zeh School.