Published: May 16, 2008 09:30 am         

Long-Time Learner

Garrett Teacher of the Year stresses technology

OAKLAND - For 32 years, Jenny Neville has worked in the Garrett County School system and her willingness to bring technology into the classroom is part of what earned her the title of Garrett County Teacher of the Year.

"I'm a firm believer of the hands-on approach," Neville said. "I really tried to get the computers in the kids' hands."

Neville is currently the math/technology/reading resource teacher at Broadford Elementary, where she has helped to ensure the school has computers not only in every classroom, but also that there are four miniature labs or "pods" available for the students.

Students at Broadford begin to learn in second grade how to type and in fifth grade they work on Power Point presentations.

Neville also does the behind-the-scenes work for the morning news over the school's closed circuit television network.

"She has spent 32 years building strong relationships, serving as a teacher, a trainer and a current member of the instructional consultation team," Kurt Lear, director of curriculum and staff development for the board of education, said when he presented Neville to a group of business members and educators at a luncheon Tuesday. "Jenny has been a mentor and has provided an internship site for our students."

Lear also said that Neville works as a mentor with seniors from the high schools, making Broadford a place to serve as a site for interns to learn more about computers and other technology.

Neville said while she received her education to be a reading teacher, she hasn't stayed strictly in that position in her work with the school system because she wants to continue her own learning. She said by moving into new positions, she forces herself to learn new things.

In her career, she has taught kindergarten, first and second grade and special education.

She said that her work in special education taught her much about dealing with children.

"If you let them know you care about them, they will work for you," Neville said. "These are kids who feel they've never been successful, feel they're never going to learn. But if you respect them, you get their respect as well."

It is not just students that Neville instructs, but in her role as a trainer, she also has presented courses, some for Maryland State Department of Education credit, others for technology grants, and has conducted summer workshops for Broadford teachers on technology and project-based learning.

At the end of this month, she will attend the Maryland State Board of Education's Recognition and Luncheon for Teacher of the Year, with teachers of the year from across the state.

"I think Jenny is going to be an excellent representative of the teachers of Garrett County," Sue Waggoner, executive director of instruction for the board, said.

Neville said when she received the award, she was surprised. She said she knew the staff had a meeting after school that day, but had no idea it would be to present her with the teacher of the year award.

"I feel really honored, but I feel it's an honor for the school," Neville said. "There are good teachers here who never complain when something new is given to them. Everyone here works hard."

Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@times-news.com.