If you are very blessed in this life…
you may have the opportunity as a teacher to work with someone who helps to mold your own approach to teaching. This was the privilege I enjoyed for more than 30 years, both as a parent and as a co-worker. Yesterday, our community lost that precious light, our friend Jane.
As a parent, you immediately knew your child would have the best year ever with Jane, a teacher who would try to make every day an adventure. You could be confident in her ability to get the most from your child while encouraging and celebrating even the smallest accomplishment. And at the end of the year, you found yourself wishing you could do it all over. She left a positive lasting impression on my own children.
As a new teacher, I knew immediately where to look for guidance in how to conduct myself with my students, colleagues and administrators. Jane had a way of always saying something positive about just about anything. She likely had no idea of the impact she had on how other teachers teach. I learned that being excited about what you are teaching students will foster excitement in learning. I witnessed her positive teaching style many times. Her students were among the happiest in our school.
Jane was a master teacher in every respect. Above all, she showed kindness in dealing with her students, knowing a lasting impression must be a good one. One unpleasant year in school can diminish a student’s attitude toward school. Each class undoubtedly left her care knowing they were loved and treasured. To this day they speak very highly of her. All teachers should try to become this type of teacher.
Jane was a dedicated wife and mother, a fierce sports mom who supported our teams like no other, and a positive force for getting it done the next time.
My favorite memory of Jane has to be every field day through the years. She was the happiest teacher out there! You could find her urging her students to do their best at every turn. I especially loved seeing her choice of hats. She was always “sun ready”!
To say she will be missed is an understatement. A light in this world that shone so brightly is gone. But what she left behind through the life she lived is a miracle of hope for the future. It is my prayer that every new teacher will seek out someone like Jane. It is our best hope for exciting new generations of learners.
This song makes me think this is the way Jane lived, and would want people to live now that she is gone. I know in my heart Jane danced.
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance (Where those years have gone?)
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance (Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder?)
What an amazing tribute to our precious Jane. Thanks!
So well said! Such an exceptional lady!
Yes, that song fits Jane. I, too, was a new 4th grade teacher when I really got to know Jane many years ago. I loved her energy and enthusiasm. She was a good friend, mentor, and teacher. She will be missed by many.
New teachers could learn so much from teachers like Jane! It’s all about relationships…much more than test scores. She knew that. Good relationships usually enhance test scores too. Miss you Carla! š
I was lucky enough to work with Jane, be a student in her fourth grade class and also be called a friend by her. She always had a smile on her face, a laugh and a minute to spare for all that needed her. Glad she made an impression on me in my teaching career.