Faculty Spotlight: Jackie Lounsbury

College/ Degrees: UMass-Boston, B.A. and MA Ed

Years of service: 12 years at Fryeburg Academy

Subject(s): Special Education

Other roles at FA: box office attendant at the PAC, dorm parent

Fun fact: Ms. Lounsbury loves to create spontaneous acronyms for random things, which drives her children crazy.

Background you want to share? Ms. Lounsbury grew up in suburban Boston.  She spent many summers at a YMCA camp on Lake Winnipesaukee both as a camper and a counselor, and this experience helped to shape her.  Ms. Lounsbury has two children who have graduated from the Academy, a daughter who is here now, and a son who will be here soon.  

Why did you become a teacher? My grandfather and my father were teachers, so it is in my blood.  I like helping people and working with students in small groups.  Special Ed is great for that.  

What is your favorite class to teach and why? Math.  Math is grounding - not open-ended - and I like that I can explain it in different ways to help students understand.

Memorable teaching moment? I got an email from a student last summer who graduated several years ago.  He told me that the things I taught him and the advice I’d given him stuck and helped him.  It feels good to know that. 

How would your students describe you as a teacher? I hope they would say that I listen, that they can be themselves, and that they feel seen and heard by me.  My goal for my students might not be their goal, but I hope they come to a place where they want to do their best for themselves.  

Advice for students? Do all you can while you are at FA.  This is an amazing place to exist in a little town in rural Maine.  Try something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.  Take advantage of the opportunities that you have at Fryeburg Academy.