Two weeks before the school year began, she got a call from then-Principal Gary Carlson, offering her a fifth-grade position teaching social studies and the fit couldn’t have been better.
“It was exactly what I’d been looking for,” Jill said. “I hit the ground running, and it’s been home ever since.”
Teaching History with Heart
For 25 years, Jill taught fifth-grade social studies, turning historical lessons into living stories.
“You can teach history poorly, or you can teach it like the amazing story it really is,” she said. “That’s what I try to do, help students see the people and emotions behind the facts.”
This year, she’s added science to her teaching schedule, describing it as “being a first-year teacher all over again.” But with her trademark enthusiasm, she’s embracing every experiment and lesson with energy and creativity.
A Culture of Support and Stability
Jill credits her long tenure to the culture of care and consistency that defines National Heritage Academies (NHA®).
“Having amazing administrators has been a big reason I’ve stayed so long,” she said.
She also appreciates NHA’s Dean structure, which she says provides essential guidance and support for teachers.
“Having that support behind you makes all the difference.”
Creative Learning That Sparks Curiosity
Jill’s classroom is a place where learning comes alive. Over the years, she’s created traditions that inspire confidence, creativity, and connection rooted in Moral Focus™ virtues:
- Manners Meal: A November celebration tied to the virtue of Gratitude, where students practice table etiquette and reflect on ways to show respect and thankfulness.
- 40 Book Challenge: Encouraging students to explore 40 books across genres each year to build a lifelong love of reading.
- Escape Room Learning: Interactive lessons that challenge students to collaborate and apply critical thinking in hands-on ways.
- Glass Paperweights: A beloved classroom reward where Jill leaves one of her 30+ paperweights on a student’s desk to celebrate their academic success and start their day with joy.
A Life Filled with Creativity and Community
Outside the classroom, Jill channels her creativity into costuming school musicals, bringing productions like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Aladdin” to life. She says she loves creating things that sparkle under the stage lights and help students shine.
A Legacy of Love for Learning
After 26 years at Walker Charter Academy, Jill continues to bring the same heart, humor, and purpose to her students that she had on day one. Her guiding principle remains simple yet powerful.
“I try to remember that my students need me,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going: helping them love learning as much as I do.”
Congratulations, Jill, on 26 years of dedication, creativity, and passionate teaching!
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About Walker Charter Academy
Walker Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Walker, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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