On October 17, 2025, the students in our school were asked to choose their favorite teacher and explain why. Mrs. Lynch, one of Dighton-Rehoboth’s Spanish teachers, who transferred to the high school just a few years ago, ultimately ended up gaining the most votes. Those who chose her commented that she makes the class entertaining, treats students equally and nicely, and shows a genuine interest in them as people rather than a youthful group that she is tasked to teach every day.

Upon hearing the students’ decision, Mrs. Lynch explained that she did not, in the slightest bit, expect to be chosen as the favorite teacher, but she guessed that she was voted for this role because she tries to make her classes fun and treat all students with kindness. When asked if she had taken any steps to intentionally accomplish such a thing, she revealed the amount of hard work and dedication she possessed when she went to school, which resulted in her gaining her master’s degree. Mrs. Lynch also partook in numerous other classes that taught her how to work with difficult students, helping her to realize that connections are important, especially those between a teacher and their students. Since finishing her own schooling, she has made it a goal to diversify classroom activities, consequently creating a more fun learning environment than a class where students may be forced to sit quietly in their seats.

Next, Mrs. Lynch was prompted to explain what she values the most as a teacher, to which she said that having a connection with all of her students was most important to her, as people do not learn from someone who they do not like. In order to ensure that she individually knows and understands her students and that they can confidently say they feel the same way about her, she greets her classes outside the classroom door as often as possible, addressing each person who enters by name. During the times when class is in session, she tries her best to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe and comfortable. Not only does she build genuine connections with each of her students, but she also creates lessons that allow them to personalize their learning in any way possible and interact with each other through conversation, writing, and games. Not only does this appeal to many students through its interesting and fun nature, but it also makes them responsible for their own learning. They are encouraged to apply the skills that they are taught in various different ways, which talking at students for an entire period does not allow. Mrs. Lynch clarified that she believes a positive and accepting environment where kids are valued and respected is absolutely necessary, as learning cannot take place without those concepts.

After this, Mrs. Lynch acknowledged her growth as a teacher, expressing that her attitude towards teaching has changed tremendously since her first years in the profession. The biggest change she has seen in herself is the way in which she handles behavioral issues. If a kid behaves poorly or causes an interruption in class, she works with them to find a solution to the problem, whatever it may be, instead of instantly resorting to giving out detentions or getting angry. She quoted Doctor Ross Green, a clinical psychologist and author, saying, “Kids do well if they can,” as one of her primary philosophies in educating students, and divulged that everyone who comes to school wants to perform well and feel valued and respected. It is important to try to help those who may not be doing too well. Additionally, after taking numerous classes, she has learned that being expected to quietly sit and listen to a teacher for an extended period of time can easily lead to boredom, which is why she values interaction so much, as it was not a prominent thought in her mind before said classes. Mrs. Lynch also emphasized the importance of not only loving the subject she teaches but also the kids that she influences, and she mentioned that teachers sometimes get more passionate about what they are teaching than who they are teaching the material to, which does not prove effective in the long run.

To wrap things up, Mrs. Lynch confirmed that she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She reminisced back to kindergarten, when her mom bought her a report card book with questions about the school year, one of which was what she wanted to be when she grew up. She distinctly remembers writing that she wanted to teach, and she used to set up a classroom for her dolls to practice. When she began her job, she was faced with a decision: teach Spanish or teach English? Obviously, she chose Spanish, as she thought it sounded more fun. She has found this to be undoubtedly true throughout her experience doing so. Originally, she taught in Mansfield; however, she switched to Rehoboth to be closer to her house, explaining it was the “best decision [she has] ever made!” Now, she feels more connected to the community, and she enjoys seeing others that she knows at various school sporting events and getting to stay closer to her family.

Mrs. Lynch possesses a passion for teaching and for creating a safe, fun, and welcoming environment that is visible to her students every day. She adds a genuine and inspiring side to teaching by building connections with her students and making it apparent that she wants the best for each of them, whether she is currently teaching them or she has had them in the past. Though she has only taught at Dighton-Rehoboth for a few years, she has undoubtedly motivated many students and pushed them to a level of skill that they may not have known they could achieve, so the respect and appreciation for her from countless students comes as no surprise.