LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jennifer Poli's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

"As long as I have known Jen, I've known about her unwavering commitment to education and helping others," stated the nominator. "She is a phenomenal person who deserves this recognition, even though she is the type of person who never expects any recognition from anyone."

Ms. Poli's impact on her students' lives is profound. She not only supports their academic endeavors but also challenges them to improve, fostering a sense of capability, creativity, and kindness. As a teacher of 8th graders, she often instills belief in her students before they believe in themselves, a testament to her exceptional dedication. 

Ms. Poli works hard to connect her ELA curriculum to the real world. She has had several newspaper articles written about activities and lessons she's created in the classroom that go beyond the classroom walls to help her students and others within the community. She has had several articles written about her commitment to honoring Veterans and service projects her students have completed in connection to the curriculum to honor local Veterans and troops overseas. Just last year, an article was written in The Hampshire Gazette about Ms. Poli's addition of a more inclusive text. She arranged a presentation by a Certified Nurse Practitioner to speak to her students about the effects of substance use in connection to the novel Solo. Ms. Poli has also had articles written about her students who have won state writing competitions under her guidance and encouragement. Two additional articles published student writing samples about what they were grateful for during the pandemic concerning their graphic novel reading.

Ms. Poli's dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. She has used her personal time to secure funding for multiple projects on DonorsChoose.org, ensuring her students have the necessary learning materials. One of her projects aimed to diversify the existing curriculum, a testament to her commitment to inclusive education. Her selflessness and dedication to her students' learning are truly commendable.

Ms. Poli encourages all of her students, and that encouragement helps students succeed. On more than one occasion, her students have earned top growth scores on State assessments such as MCAS. Several times, her students have earned top growth scores in the district. Several times, her students have earned some of the top growth scores in Massachusetts. The recurring successes result from hard work, a hard-working teacher, and her commitment to her students' success.

Over the years, Ms. Poli has held several leadership roles in the district in addition to her teaching responsibilities. For several years, Ms. Poli was a grade-level coordinator. She has volunteered her time outside of school to be on hiring committees. She has mentored new staff and served as a supervising practitioner for a student teacher. Her student teacher was a former student who thanked her for being taught twice by Ms. Poli at the end of her practicum - once as a teen and then later as an adult. It truly is a gift for students to have teachers who challenge, encourage, and support them.

Even in her personal life, Ms. Poli is committed to helping others. She often bakes to share treats with her colleagues, friends, and family. For nine years, she has also volunteered as a big sister mentor to at-risk youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts. She's an excellent role model to a teen who has faced adversity.

"Jen is a phenomenal teacher and person. She deserves this nomination and accolade," stated the nominator.