A word from … Jill Hart

The Power of One Teacher

During our leadership retreat last week, Mr. Cooper asked us to recall the teacher who impacted us the most and my mind wandered back to my early elementary years.

Most of us can remember that one teacher—the one who stepped into our lives at just the right moment and changed the trajectory of our story.

For me, that teacher was Mrs. Freeman.

It was the beginning of second grade, and I was struggling. First grade had been tough. Subtraction was my nemesis—I dreaded numbers, avoided math, and carried the weight of shaken confidence. I was growing quiet and withdrawn, and my parents were understandably concerned.

And then came Mrs. Freeman.

She was nearing retirement and dealing with health issues, which led to her being reassigned from the general classroom to teach “Special Math.” At the time, I wasn’t thrilled to be placed in her care. But from the moment I stepped into her classroom, something felt different.

Her room became a safe haven—a place where I felt seen, capable, and successful. Mrs. Freeman was warm yet challenging, endlessly patient, and quietly persistent. Week by week, she chipped away at my self-doubt and helped rekindle my love of learning. For seven months, I visited her room twice a week—and during that time, something remarkable happened.

In February, my homeroom teacher called my parents. I still remember secretly listening to the conversation and the surge of pride I felt when my mom hung up the phone and told me: I no longer needed to go to Special Math. In fact, I had the highest math grade in the entire second grade.

I was thrilled—but also a little sad. I wouldn’t get to see Mrs. Freeman regularly anymore.

To this day, I can’t share that story without tears. That difficult, redemptive season planted a seed in my heart. It’s why I chose to become an educator—and it continues to shape how I lead the elementary school today.

And it’s exactly what I want for every student under my care.

I want them to have their own “Mrs. Freeman moment.” I want them to encounter that teacher who sees past their struggles, believes in their potential, and helps them rise.

And here’s the beautiful thing: I see those moments happening every single day in the hallways of FRCS. I see teachers encouraging, challenging, guiding, and believing in their students—in millions of small, transformative ways.

I’d love for you to see it, too.

Come walk the halls with me. Come witness the difference one teacher can make.