Jen Ruthven

EAST PROVIDENCE — The School Department announced the annual recipients of its teacher of the year awards at the May 12 meeting of the School Committee, including as well the selection of Jennifer Ruthven as the 2020 honoree for the entire district.

Mrs. Ruthven is a second grade teacher at the Orlo Avenue Elementary School. She will be recognized later in the year along with her peers from other district's around the state and in addition will be in the running for the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year accolade.

Contacted after the announcement, Mrs. Ruthven said of her award, “It’s an amazing honor!”

She added, "In 2006 I started working in East Providence and knew after a few short weeks what it meant to have ‘Townie Pride.’ The collaboration, support, and sense of family is unmistakable in East Providence. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and this city has provided me the opportunity to learn so much about educating the whole child, to learn the ins and outs of curriculum and the opportunity to grow professionally.

“I will be eternally grateful for this. Working at Orlo with such amazing colleagues and families has helped me grow as an educator and I am thankful to be part of this amazing city and fortunate to work with the very best. Thank you so much for this wonderful honor.”

Reciting the nomination notes submitted by colleagues and parents, Superintendent Kathryn Crowley read into the record Tuesday night, “Mrs. Ruthven is described by families as being ‘awesome’ and for going beyond the ordinary and puts everyone above herself. Jen has a natural way of connecting with students and families. She has a gentle, but strong presence that allows for a classroom structure that promotes a safe, nurturing learning space. Jen truly cares about her students as her own, going beyond academics to ensure her students’ success and happiness.”

After the meeting, Superintendent Crowley added, “Jen has done a lot of creative things within her classroom. She does a lot of out-of-the-box things, hands-on activities with her students.”

One of Mrs. Ruthven’s accomplishments over the years in the classroom was creating “writing buddies” program between students and members of the armed forces, including the son of District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand.

According to Dr. Forand, the relationship began in 2015 when her son, Derek, was a plebe at the Naval Academy. Mrs. Ruthven suggested they set up a pen pal relationship and it grew from there. Students would write to Derek and he would send messages and videos. He visited the classroom and kept contact throughout his four years in Annapolis. The relationship has continued this year with Derek's girlfriend, Lauren, herself a midshipwoman who visited with him last year, now being the class pen pal. Over four years students exchanged letters multiple times , sent cards and well wishes for his graduation. Derek is now a Second Lieutenant in the Marines stationed in Pensacola, Fla., soon beginning flight school.

“What is really exciting is they were also able to see a woman who was at Navy and will be serving in the military,” Dr. Forand said. “Jen uses every opportunity she has for teachable moments. She encourages her students to always do their best and that the sky's the limit. Jen represents all of the amazing teachers we have in East Providence.”

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