INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Jane Hickey, Windermere Preparatory School

Jane Hickey is a pre-K 3 teacher and team lead at Windermere Preparatory School. She was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 2011. WPS leaders say Hickey has been truly dedicated to the school and helping her young students grow and learn since she joined The Lakers in 2001. 

What brought you to your school?

Windermere Prep had just opened a year before in 2000, and a friend of mine mentioned that they were looking for a pre-K 3 teacher. I was looking to make a move from the school I was working at, and I thought this would be a good opportunity for a new start. I went for an interview with the headmistress and her assistant and knew after a few minutes into the interview this was the place I wanted to be and grow in my profession. I was offered the job and accepted on the spot. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

What do you love most about your school?

The beautiful campus, the feeling of community and family, the diversity of the students, and a wonderful group of people to work with. Also, our traditions and celebrations are a very large part of our school culture that bring all the students together and keep the school unified.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Our pre-K 3 students are an open book when they embark upon their career at Windermere Prep as lifelong learners. They are full of wonder and curiosity. Our curriculum is one that fosters creativity, self-expression, discovery, independence and respect for others. It is so rewarding to witness the growth these children experience during these early years and to realize the impact you have had as a teacher to foster and encourage this growth and their love for school, their friends and their teachers.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?  

I would be most grateful and so very happy if I could have a large piece of land and lots of help to create a rescue sanctuary for all unwanted, abused and homeless animals that are so in need of a loving home. 

Who influences you?  

First would be my husband, because his calm, positive, knowledgeable and well-thought-out outlook on life keeps me grounded. He is also very supportive of anything I do. My maternal grandparents were also a great influence. They were German immigrants who worked hard every day, never complained and taught me in a most loving way how to be tolerant, work hard and be proud of everything you do.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

I had two favorite teachers. Miss Rapp in fifth grade, whose face I can still remember. She was firm but so kind and established a very good and supportive rapport with all of her students. The second would be Mr. Generazzo, my eighth-grade English teacher, who made us laugh every day during class but always kept our attention because of his comical but very knowledgeable style of teaching. 

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“The Secret Garden,” because I have fond memories of my mom reading it with me before bedtime.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family, which includes my husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, four amazing grandchildren and my dog, Pongo, all of whom I adore. I also enjoy quiet time, such as relaxing around my pool reading a good book. Shopping also ranks high on my list. 

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to spend just one hour with Barack Obama. I find him to be a fascinating family man with a terrific sense of humor and someone I could relate to and learn from. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and his beliefs.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

Bologna and cheese sandwich and Fritos!

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. No commercialism, no pressure or stress involved to buy gifts that no one really needs. It’s just a warm, fuzzy-feeling holiday to spend with family and friends, enjoy (one another) and all the delicious food, and to realize how fortunate we are.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend, Kathy. She lived up the street from me, and we walked to and from elementary, junior high and high school every day together, weather permitting. She was my rock and tried her best to get me through chemistry class in my senior year, to no avail. She passed away about 10 years ago, and I miss her every day. 

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

Intramural soccer, volleyball, softball in the summers, and I was on the varsity tennis team in college.