Oxford, AL – Oxford City Schools proudly announced the achievements of two exceptional educators who have secured coveted spots as “Sweet 16” Finalists for the esteemed title of Alabama Teacher of the Year. Among the distinguished group, Jennifer Dasinger, acclaimed as District VI’s Secondary Teacher of the Year from Oxford High School, and Janet Kuchinski, lauded as District VI’s Elementary Teacher of the Year from Coldwater Elementary School, stand out for their exemplary dedication to the teaching profession. The rigorous journey to this prestigious stage entails a meticulous selection process, starting with nominations from local schools and culminating in exhaustive submissions of Alabama State Teacher of the Year applications. Dasinger and Kuchinski navigated each evaluation with precision, showcasing their unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
Jennifer Dasinger, chemistry educator at Oxford High School, and Principal Harmon delved into the journey of becoming an educator, teaching philosophies, the thrill of nominations, and the potential impact of winning the prestigious title of Alabama Teacher of the Year. Reflecting on her nomination, Jennifer Dasinger expressed profound excitement and gratitude, especially acknowledging her esteemed colleague, Ms. Janet Kuchinski, from the elementary school. Dasinger, in her 27th year of teaching and fourth year at Oxford High School, revealed a captivating journey into education. Originally on a path towards professional healthcare, she found her true calling in teaching after a serendipitous encounter. Dasinger’s approach to teaching revolves around demystifying chemistry, making it accessible and relevant to her students’ everyday lives. She emphasized fostering a supportive classroom environment, catering to students’ social and emotional needs, and adopting a hands-on coaching approach to facilitate active learning.
Dasinger’s dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her commitment to nurturing their holistic development. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing students’ diverse backgrounds and needs, advocating for a student-centered approach that prioritizes their well-being and engagement. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming burnout, Dasinger offered invaluable advice to fellow educators, urging them to reconnect with their passion for teaching and embrace lifelong learning and growth. Amidst the pervasive issue of teacher burnout sweeping across the nation, Jennifer Dasinger offers a poignant reminder to educators at all stages of their careers. Whether embarking on the journey or navigating its peaks and valleys, Dasinger prompts teachers to ponder their sources of joy and motivation. Are they merely teaching to impart knowledge, or are they embracing the perpetual process of learning to teach? Drawing from her experiences as a teacher trainer during the summers, Dasinger witnesses firsthand the aspirations and apprehensions of new educators, urging them to embrace change and strive for continual improvement. For seasoned teachers grappling with burnout, she advocates for introspection and rediscovery of their passion for education. Dasinger’s empathy and commitment shine through as she offers support and guidance to her fellow educators, echoing her own transformative journey towards prioritizing the well-being of students and the enduring legacy of education for future generations.
Principal Harmon echoed Dasinger’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of her nomination as a testament to her exemplary dedication and expertise. He lauded Dasinger as an “elite educator” whose tireless efforts deserve recognition and appreciation. Harmon expressed pride in having Dasinger as part of the Oxford High School community, underscoring the importance of celebrating her accomplishments and contributions to education. As the anticipation builds towards the announcement of Alabama Teacher of the Year, Dasinger’s unwavering commitment to her students and the teaching profession stands as a shining example of excellence and inspiration for educators across the state. With her vision, passion, and leadership, Dasinger embodies the essence of a transformative educator poised to make a profound impact on the future generations.
Ms. Kuchinski, affectionately known as Ms. K by her students, shared insights into her path toward teaching and the vital aspects of teaching she wanted to emphasize as a finalist for the Sweet Sixteen in Alabama Teacher of the Year. Ms. Kuchinski, drawing from her over 20 years of experience, recounted a transformative moment during an outdoor education class at Jacksonville State University. It was at Camp ASCCA, a special needs camp, where she discovered her calling for special education. Inspired by her interactions with a young girl with cerebral palsy, Ms. Kuchinski embarked on a journey to become a special education teacher, advocating for the recognition of students’ abilities rather than their disabilities. She stressed the importance of addressing the social-emotional needs of students, particularly in light of the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Kuchinski also highlighted the shortage of special education teachers and the necessity of promoting the field to ensure the holistic development of students. She also noted that there are different areas of special education. She primarily works as a collaborative special education teacher. She explained that often people think of special ed as more separate and self contained, but she works with students classified as Learning Disabled, ADHD, or Autistic and primarily they are in a general education setting with a co-teacher and Ms. Kuchinski. They can be pulled in or out of that setting as intervention is needed.
Dr. Finkley, principal for Coldwater Elementary, commended Ms. Kuchinski’s exemplary dedication and expertise, underscoring her significant contributions to Coldwater Elementary School. She emphasized her profound impact on students and colleagues alike, attributing her success to her exceptional knowledge of behavioral strategies and her ability to build meaningful relationships. Dr. Finkley lauded Ms. Kuchinski’s unwavering commitment to supporting students, regardless of the challenges they face, and highlighted her role as a mentor to both special education and general education teachers. She emphasized the pivotal role of relationship-building in fostering student success and praised Ms. Kuchinski’s personable and approachable demeanor, which enhances her effectiveness as an educator and leader.
As the next steps unfold in their journey, both educators eagerly anticipate what the future holds. Mrs. Dasinger revealed plans for the state reception on May 8, where all nominees and their principals, including Superintendent Dr. Stanley, will gather. Amidst this professional milestone, Mrs. Dasinger is also balancing personal family commitments, with a daughter set to graduate from the University of Alabama in May and her son currently serving in the military stationed across the country. This period of celebration will serve as a momentous occasion for the entire family to come together and commemorate their achievements. Similarly, Ms. Kuchinski expressed her excitement for the upcoming reception, where her daughters will join her, along with a close friend who has been a steadfast supporter since their college days. Reflecting on her nomination, Ms. Kuchinski conveyed a sense of humility and gratitude, emphasizing the profound impact of being recognized for her contributions to education. As they embark on this next chapter, both educators remain grounded in their familial bonds and inspired by the acknowledgment of their dedication to their profession.
As Ms. Kuchinski and Mrs. Dasinger continue to champion excellence in education, their shared dedication to students’ well-being and academic success serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators across Alabama. Their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments embodies the essence of transformative education, paving the way for a brighter future for all students.
