Walk into Jennifer Rightmyer’s 5th-grade classroom at Radez Elementary, and you’re met with a peaceful hum of calm music, focused students, and a warm, welcoming energy.

For nearly a decade, Rightmyer has been a guiding light for students during one of the most pivotal years of their elementary school journey.

Named this week’s Top Teacher, Rightmyer is being celebrated not just for her teaching skills, but for the way she turns everyday moments into lasting memories.

“Seeing the world through their eyes, and the things they say—they keep me going,” Rightmyer shared with a smile.

From exciting field trips to engaging hands-on projects, she finds creative ways to make learning fun and meaningful. Her students say it’s that extra effort that sets her apart.

“She makes everything fun,” said 5th grader Julian Zink. “She doesn’t just make us do huge worksheets.”
Classmate Peyton Gentile agrees, adding, “She makes sure that we have fun and we’re not just sitting around doing stuff on our Chromebooks.”

Rightmyer emphasizes the importance of building a classroom community where students feel supported and encouraged.

“It really says a lot about this school. It’s that big heart, little school, and it’s all community,” she said.

She also believes learning goes both ways.

“I learn from them just as much as they learn from me,” she said. “The projects and the groups allow them to collaborate, and it’s really important.”

As her students prepare to transition to middle school, they will take with them not only the knowledge they have gained but also the joy and confidence that come from having a teacher like Jennifer Rightmyer.