Jackie Fye

2021 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Finalist

“Mrs. Burchfield let me know that learning and participation is not only exemplified through talking and raising one’s hand, but through listening and contemplation.”

Throughout school, Jackie Fye was repeatedly told that she needed to speak up and participate more - even though her grades were excellent. A quiet, thoughtful student by nature, this feedback left her feeling there was something wrong with her. This changed when she met Mrs. Burchfield, a teacher who finally accepted Jackie as she was. To Mrs. Burchfield, Jackie's introversion was not a problem but just another way of engaging with the world. Today in the classroom, Jackie aspires to create learning environments that truly nurture diversity, seeing and supporting each student as they really are.

Here is Jackie's story about Mrs. Burchfield, the teacher who inspired her.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2021 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.