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Westport High teacher Jacobs, Golden Apple Teacher of the Year, emphasizes literacy and classroom culture
Summary
During a classroom visit, Ms. Jacobs — Westport High’s Golden Apple Teacher of the Year — described using choice and respect to build culture while focusing on reading instruction; students are working on A Raisin in the Sun and will choose sophomore courses in two weeks.
Ms. Jacobs, Golden Apple Teacher of the Year and an English teacher at Westport High School, told an interviewer during a classroom visit that literacy is her priority and that she tries to build a classroom culture of respect that lets students make choices in their learning.
The interviewer observed that students were working in small groups on the play A Raisin in the Sun and said the room had "great energy." Ms. Jacobs described classroom routines in which students select characters, read scenes in small groups and then analyze lines together.
"Reading is a huge thing for me. Literacy, obviously I teach English," Ms. Jacobs said, adding that she hopes to "be in the room where all that's happening" when local educators discuss reading initiatives. She noted national reading rates as a concern and said she wants to join teams working to improve students' reading outcomes.
The teacher said she has focused on kindness and clear expectations since the start of the year. "I am going to respect you as long as we're offering that respect back," she said, describing how giving students structured freedom improved behavior and relationships since September.
The interviewer summarized the classroom tone: "There's no faking that," referring to the visible respect and engagement.
Ms. Jacobs also spoke about her personal commitment to students. "They are my kids, and that's why I'll stay late. I'll come in early. I'm here for them," she said, explaining that, after personal infertility struggles, she finds fulfillment in teaching and considers her classroom a place to invest in students' success.
Looking ahead, Ms. Jacobs noted that students will begin scheduling in two weeks and will choose sophomore pathways such as AP and ACE courses; she said she works to make reading and writing rigorous to prepare them for those options.
The visit emphasized classroom practices Ms. Jacobs credits with raising standards and engagement; no formal decisions, policies, funding or votes were part of the visit.
