Scituate High School welcomes back Jacqueline (Jackie) Thornton (SHS Class of 2016), but this time not as a student: Thornton is a new addition to the mathematics department. Coming from a position as a software developer after studying electrical and computer engineering at UMass Amherst, she is thrilled to have an opportunity to teach in her hometown. Stepping in after SHS math teacher Tara Szymaniak was promoted to the math department chair, Thornton is teaching CP Statistics and Precalculus in both honors and CP levels. Already making a positive impression on students, she seems to enjoy this familiar environment.
Thornton has always had a passion for teaching. During her teenage and young adult life, she enjoyed tutoring students in math, and her experience tutoring a student at UMass Amherst became one of her proudest accomplishments. The student called Thornton because he needed help with math: he wasn’t earning the grade he wanted and couldn’t find a way to make the concepts click. Thornton said during their time together, he gained math skills he never thought he would have. Thanks to Thornton’s consistent commitment, encouragement, and personalized strategies, the student achieved a well-deserved A by the end of the year. Thornton remarked, “I was proud of both him and myself for how far we both came.”
SHS math teacher Kerri Hallihan taught Thornton when she took Introduction to Programming, AP Computer Science A, and Honors Precalculus. They developed a good connection and stayed in touch over the years, occasionally comparing their experiences at UMass or sharing favorite spots in the Amherst area. After Szymaniak noticed Thornton had posted on social media about being available for math tutoring in Scituate, she asked Hallihan to contact her to inquire about teaching at SHS.
Hallihan said she is grateful to have Thornton as a colleague, noting, “She brings strong math experience, a fresh perspective, and creative energy to our department.” Hallihan added, “Although she is not teaching coding, it is great to have another programmer in the building.”
Known for her positive personality, Thornton is outgoing, driven, and conscientious. Students say Thornton always prioritizes their successes and accomplishments over her own. At SHS, Thornton plans to make her class a safe zone for all students; accordingly, she has set three important rules for her classroom: “Kindness, safety, and success.” Thornton hopes these standards will make students feel safe and welcome in the classroom. Ultimately, she hopes to develop strong connections with her students and positively impact her hometown school!