Jennifer Donais. (Jennifer Donais)
HAVERHILL (WBZ-AM) -- A Merrimack Valley math teacher is in the nation's capitol this week to receive a big honor--the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching. Silver Hill math coach Jennifer Donais is extremely excited to be in Washington, D.C. to receive the award and meet President Donald Trump.
Donais said she owes her nine-year teaching career to her mother, who also taught math and is now a principal. Her grandfather was a math department head in her district, and her aunt just retired as a math teacher, too.
"My mom has taught me so much in my education," Donais said. "She's the reason I am a math teacher. I wanted to be one since I was five years old. When I was in college, I used to always go and sub in her classroom, so I learned so much from her. It makes me so happy and so thankful for everything."
She said she never thought it would be possible that her teaching would be recognized at a national level. She's got some advice for fellow teachers, too.
"Just be innovative in your classroom," she said. "Have high standards for students and take risks."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports