McCabe School's Jenn Pushee Named Smithfield Teacher Of The Year

SMITHFIELD, RI — A McCabe Elementary School second-grade teacher has been chosen for recognition as the 2020 Smithfield Teacher of the Year in a school year unlike any other in history.

Smithfield Superintendent of Schools Judy Paolucci announced at this week's School Committee meeting that Jenn Pushee was chosen "as an individual who exemplifies the qualifies we find most important in our educators."

"This year every Smithfield teacher went above and beyond to provide distance learning to ensure the students continue to learn despite social distancing," Paolucci said in explaining how the criteria for this year's award went beyond someone being considered the "best" teacher in Smithfield.

Pushee is a 20-year veteran of the classroom and is a certified K-8 special education and elementary teacher. She has taught at the Winsor School in Johnston in 2001, and then taught in Washington, DC from 2002 to 2004. She has taught grades 2, 3 and 4 in Smithfield, as well as serving as a special education teacher.

"(She is) a consummate team player who embraces the expertise of colleagues and consistently holds herself accountable for pursuing all avenues of opportunity for each and every child," McCabe Principal Cathy Pleau said.

Krista Quattrini, who nominated Pushee, described her as "happy, engaging, loving and creative."

Pushee's distance-learning efforts included science videos featuring her children and a Google classroom.

"She has ignited passion and wonder in her students," said Danielle Boucher, noting that her son is just as excited about school now as when he was before the pandemic kept teachers and students from being together in the school building.

Paolucci said more than 30 nominations were received from parents and colleagues. Each nominated educator will receive a commendation for their impact on Smithfield students and families.