This is the latest in our “Weston Wednesday” series, spotlighting the winners of the 2024 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.
Kindergarten is filled with many transitions, new beginnings, excitement, and for some students, more than a little trepidation. Fortunately, there are exceptional educators like Edgemont's Jacquie Antinoro who know just how to reach our youngest learners and guide them through their first year of public school.
In nomination letters for the 2024 Judy Weston Award for Inspired Teaching, one parent shared that Ms. Antinoro “transformed [her] reluctant school-goer into an enthusiastic and joyful learner.” She noted that Antinoro doesn’t “speak down to the children; [she] treats them as real human beings with complex emotions, unique needs and their own special spark.”
Ms. Antinoro excites her students. She takes the time to get to know them well and crafts learning experiences that are meaningful to them. Multiple nominators shared that their students can’t wait to get to her class, and they eagerly recount what they do each day. Ms Jacquie “does an admirable job bridging fun and play with grounded academics,” wrote one parent, and several pointed out that their students made remarkable growth in their first year. The children are so proud of what they have accomplished.
Perhaps Ms. Antinoro’s greatest asset is her ability to create a warm, supportive learning community. Her students know that she cares for each of them, and they feel safe to ask for help, to resolve conflicts, and to explore. In this pivotal first year, she is laying the foundation for her students to become lifelong learners and compassionate people. It has been said that all you really need to learn can be learned in kindergarten – with the right teacher. And Ms. Jacquie Antinoro is indeed, the right teacher.
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