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By Sithini Chea
Three weeks ago, a survey was sent out in the butterknife to find out students’ favorite teacher during the month of October. This teacher has worked arduously to ensure their students’ success while simultaneously establishing a safe and fun learning environment. Ms. Jessica Ball triumphed with 25.5% of the votes. Congratulations to Ms. Ball!!!
The director of technical theater, Ms. Ball expresses gratitude towards her students for voting her Teacher of the Month.
“It feels really good,” Ms. Ball said. “It makes me proud that students care enough to recognize the hard work I put in.”
She adds that providing her students with creative freedom is immensely important.
“I try to give instruction and let the students be creative,” Ms. Ball said. “I think that’s a big part.”
Having a safe space is just as important as ensuring that students also have fun in the process. Ms. Ball creates an environment where students share the best of both worlds.
“I like to try to create a safe place where everybody’s included, safe and fun,” Ms. Ball said. “I think that putting the fun into learning really makes it more conducive.”
October’s Teacher of the Month Winner Ms. Ball smiles for the picture. Photo courtesy Sithini Chea ‘24
Davis Novak ‘27 voiced that Ms. Ball works diligently for the theater department and contributes greatly to the theater community as a whole.
“She is awesome, fun and works so hard,” Davis said. “She does so much to make the theater department great. She balances out teaching her classes with running the Middle and Upper School theater productions as well as many other performances in the wonderful performing arts department at Woodward.”
Elizabeth Gore ‘25 commented that Ms. Ball’s hard work pays off in the theater productions.
“She [has] put so much effort into our shows,” Elizabeth said. “She truly is the heart of Woodward theater.”