Photo courtesy Jen Myers, Lowell Public Schools

by Jen Myers

(Each month, UniCare, InsideLowell and Lowell Public Schools will honor a Lowell teacher for their exemplary work in the classroom and for going the extra mile to serve as a positive influence in the lives of their students. UniCare also awards each honoree a $250 gift card to be used for school supplies)

Did you know a group of tortoise eggs is called a clutch? Or that some of the hard-shelled reptiles can live to be more than 150 years old? If you are in Mrs. McMahon’s third grade class at the Reilly Elementary School you certainly did know those facts and more.

It is a September Wednesday morning in room 305 at the Reilly. Becky McMahon stands in front of a class of third-graders sitting attentively on a rug, completely rapt by her presentation about tortoises. They are quick to answer questions and chime in with their own knowledge.

They head back to their desks to begin working on putting together their own book about tortoises. Their teacher stops by each work area to see who needs help, providing encouragement, and answering questions.

Photo courtesy Jen Myers, Lowell Public Schools

Although these sharp students know a lot and it is hard to surprise them – they may just be surprised to learn their awesome teacher was once an aspiring pastry chef who became a postal carrier and a corrections officer before landing in room 305.

McMahon grew up in Tyngsboro and graduated from Greater Lowell Technical High School before heading Johnson & Wales University to study baking and pastry arts. She quickly realized that while she loved baking, she would rather do it for fun, not as a career.

She returned home and when the opportunity arose to take the tests to be a State Trooper or work for the United States Postal Service she took both tests and was offered a job as a postal carrier. While working for the USPS she also returned to school, studying elementary education at Fitchburg State University.

“Growing up my dad was a Lowell Police Officer, and I always said I’d be a teacher or a cop,” she said.

In 2005, she took a teaching job at St. Patrick’s School, then worked as a Title I tutor for Lowell Public Schools, before taking a third-grade teaching position at Saint Michael’s School.

She loved teaching, but the desire to work in law enforcement kept tugging at her.

“I just happened to see an ad for the Middlesex Sherriff’s Office who were hiring Corrections Officers,” McMahon recalled. “I passed the test and from there went into the academy and upon graduation I became a corrections officer. I absolutely loved being a CO. It very much fit me and my personality, but unfortunately my family did not like the environment I was in and eventually I made the decision to go back to teaching.”

Photo courtesy Jen Myers, Lowell Public Schools

She headed back to the classroom, first at the Lighthouse School in Chelmsford, then as a long-term sub at the Morey Elementary School before landing at the Reilly in 2021, teaching in a classroom for students with Autism.

“I’ve always had an interest in working with special needs students which is what led to me getting my master’s in special education,” she said. “I wasn’t necessarily looking to work with children with Autism, but an opportunity presented itself and it seemed like a good fit, so I took it.”

“She dedicated herself to learning about ASD and how to best meet the needs of her students,” said Reilly Principal Ron Fusco. “She consistently went the extra mile for them, taking the time to foster relationships with parents and caregivers to ensure that parents and students felt comfortable in her classroom.”

McMahon said she learned a lot from her students that year, most importantly “to see the able, not the label.”

“Children with Autism may learn differently, but when you reach them and they “get it” it’s just an amazing experience to be a part of,” she said. “The majority of my students are in inclusion and are excelling past my and their parents’ expectations.”

Photo courtesy Jen Myers, Lowell Public Schools

While teaching students with Autism, McMahon was constantly researching different curricula and suggested a reading curriculum she had vetted that was specifically for children with Autism.

“Ron (Principal Fusco) and Alisha (Silverstrone, former Reilly Literacy Specialist, now Assistant Principal at the Bailey Elementary School) went to bat for me and made it happen – something I will always be so thankful for,” she said.

This year, McMahon transitioned back into a mainstream third-grade classroom, taking all of the lessons she has learned along her eclectic career journey with her. She has found a home at the Reilly.

“I love the camaraderie, working with a team-to-lesson plan, and seeing all the smiling faces as the children walk down the hallway,” she said. “I love that the kids love coming to school, seeing their friends and teachers. I also love how Ron makes sure to walk the halls greeting both teachers and students. One of the biggest challenges is keeping school a top priority for our students because everyone’s lives are so busy, but when all the students are here and engaged, it is just so awesome to watch.”

Mrs. McMahon has high standards for her students and she knows they can meet them and exceed them. She hopes they leave her classroom with a tool kit to take on any situation and the confidence in themselves and their abilities that they can, but also to know there will be bumps and mistakes along the way.

“I want them to know that kindness matters. That they matter. That their past does not dictate their future,” she said. “That they are loved, valued, heard, and seen. That they can do anything their heart desires and that we teachers will always be quietly rooting for them! Most importantly, that mistakes are proof they are trying.”

All About Mrs. McMahon

Hobbies: Running, reading, camping, going to the beach, boating, and kayaking
Dream Vacation: Anywhere my family is, but preferably on a hot, sunny beach living our best life
Favorite song to sing in the car: This Girl is on Fire, Fast Car, and Praying
Favorite meal: My mom’s baked spaghetti
Favorite snack: anything chocolate
Favorite Movie: Definitely a tie between Braveheart and the Notebook
Favorite Book: That’s a tough one! I have so many books that I’ve read more than once, but I guess I’d have to say the Alex Cross books by James Patterson
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Favorite Fictional Character: Jon Snow