Jane McDonough

Jane McDonough has been an outstanding educator in Branford for almost forty years. Jane grew up on Long Island and graduated from Cardinal Cushing College in Massachusetts, with a degree in American Studies and Elementary Education. In 1970 she began teaching second grade at Indian Neck School where she earned the reputation as a true professional who cared deeply about each of her students. Her preparation and desire to individualize her instruction to the needs of each of her students was a trademark of her elementary teaching career.
Jane earned her Master's Degree in Reading at Southern Connecticut State University and in 1974, transferred to Walsh Intermediate School. Remedial reading was not something that most students looked forward to but Jane's motherly approach won her students over. Classroom teachers became aware that Jane's students were not only improving their reading skills but, under her guidance, were acquiring a love of reading. In 1976, Jane's professional career was interrupted for several years as she took time away to raise her two children, Matthew and Katie.
In 1980, Jane returned to WIS part-time and job shared with Gerry Nicholson for the next ten years before returning full-time in 1990. In 2003, Jane was named Branford's ''Educator of the Year" because of the positive impact she had on her students over the years. Later in the same year The Sound Newspaper named her "Person of the Week". These honors were well deserved and long overdue. Former students, parents and colleagues nominated her for these honors Professional, dignified, caring and intelligent are words most often used to describe Jane. She has been an active participant in numerous curriculum committees and has served as a Branford Education Association Representative. She has been instrumental in programs for students, including "Girl's Night Out" and "Teachers as Friends". Branford is fortunate that Jane continues as a full-time educator today with the same enthusiasm and Jove of learning that has characterized her entire career. She has left a positive mark on numerous students and the Branford Public Schools.
Jane and her husband Kevin live in Guilford, and along with their son Matt and daughter in-law Michi, are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first grandchild in June.
Jane earned her Master's Degree in Reading at Southern Connecticut State University and in 1974, transferred to Walsh Intermediate School. Remedial reading was not something that most students looked forward to but Jane's motherly approach won her students over. Classroom teachers became aware that Jane's students were not only improving their reading skills but, under her guidance, were acquiring a love of reading. In 1976, Jane's professional career was interrupted for several years as she took time away to raise her two children, Matthew and Katie.
In 1980, Jane returned to WIS part-time and job shared with Gerry Nicholson for the next ten years before returning full-time in 1990. In 2003, Jane was named Branford's ''Educator of the Year" because of the positive impact she had on her students over the years. Later in the same year The Sound Newspaper named her "Person of the Week". These honors were well deserved and long overdue. Former students, parents and colleagues nominated her for these honors Professional, dignified, caring and intelligent are words most often used to describe Jane. She has been an active participant in numerous curriculum committees and has served as a Branford Education Association Representative. She has been instrumental in programs for students, including "Girl's Night Out" and "Teachers as Friends". Branford is fortunate that Jane continues as a full-time educator today with the same enthusiasm and Jove of learning that has characterized her entire career. She has left a positive mark on numerous students and the Branford Public Schools.
Jane and her husband Kevin live in Guilford, and along with their son Matt and daughter in-law Michi, are anxiously awaiting the birth of their first grandchild in June.