LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Petitt was nominated anonymously. Below are testimonials from her principal and assistant principal about her impact.

"I have worked with Jennifer for the past seven years and can attest that she is one of the most dynamic teachers with whom I have had the pleasure of being associated. Jennifer Petitt is the epitome of a Hamilton Elementary School Teacher. She is engaged and involved with all of our students and their families, from breakfast duty in the morning to car ramp dismissal in the afternoon. She has taught various grade levels but currently serves as our ESE Team Leader. She supports teachers and provides direct instruction to help students reach their IEP goals. Ms. Petitt has a special way of connecting with some of our students who are facing great challenges and gaining support from their families. She is well respected in the Hamilton community, and we are so thankful to have her," said Adrian Fuller, Principal of Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology.

"As the Assistant Principal at Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology, I have had the pleasure of knowing Jennifer Petitt for the last eight years. She has been an invaluable member of Hamilton's faculty as a core member of our leadership team, not only as ESE team leader, mentoring fellow ESE teachers in support facilitation roles, as well as in academic and developmental circle classrooms but in all aspects of being a master educator in general," said Jennifer MacDonald, Assistant Principal, Hamilton Elementary School of Engineering and Technology.

"Jennifer is a dedicated professional with a positive attitude and the ability to develop sincere relationships with the students and families at Hamilton. In her intervention small groups, she develops a safe space for students to take risks, ask questions, and feel a genuine part of a community of learners. She sets high expectations and believes in her students' ability to achieve their daily, weekly, and yearly goals. Jennifer has received high praise from colleagues and consistently receives highly effective evaluations. She is a passionate advocate for students and their needs to succeed. She has mentored many of Hamilton's beginning teachers in the SCPS Induction Program and continues to mentor and lead her team of ESE teachers," said MacDonald.

"For these reasons, I offer high recommendations for Jennifer without reservation. Her enthusiasm and relentless support for her students are undeniable," said MacDonald.