by Jen Myers
Where can you learn about the Gaza ceasefire, the 8 percent increase in cocoa prices, María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize win, the WNBA finals, the newly discovered secret tunnel in the Roman Colosseum, and more in just 20 minutes – while grooving to a sweet beat? In Jen Drivas’ U.S. History and Civics class at The Career Academy.
On Fridays, class starts with “The Week in Rap,” a weekly video series produced by Flocabulary, that provides a recap of the news from around the globe, touching on a wide variety of topics, all set to a rap song.
“I really enjoy infusing media literacy and current events into my history classes,” said Drivas. “I hope my students enjoy making real world connections to what they are learning in class. Most of the adults that I know could use some lessons in media literacy, so I think it is incredibly important that all students learn to safely navigate the digital landscape.”
As each segment starts, Drivas pauses to ask her students what they know about it first. The group in her fifth-period class knows A LOT about the Colosseum and the incredible gladiator fights and other events once held within its walls. She lets the conversation flow, encouraging discussion and critical thinking about each topic, while also cautioning the students that not all “news” sources on TikTok and other online platforms are legitimate.
“I want my students to be strong critical thinkers, clear communicators, engaged members of their community and thoughtful citizens of the world,” said Drivas, who keeps students engaged by listening to their views and even making them laugh by making jokes about how she’s going to single-handedly end the “6-7” trend by constantly using the nonsensical phrase.
The Career Academy, located on Smith Street in the city’s Highlands neighborhood is an 83-student high school program aimed at re-engaging students who have gotten off-track in their education journey due to a number of factors and require additional supports, a smaller learning environment, flexible scheduling, and competency-based teaching and learning. Career Academy graduates receive a Lowell High School diploma.
“I’m lucky enough to have smaller class sizes, so I am able to build the relationships needed to reach our unique population,” said Drivas. “Many of my students face challenges in and out of the classroom, but they are at their core just curious kids who want to feel cared for and be accepted. I try to make the school and my classroom as safe and welcoming as possible.”
Drivas grew up in Hopkinton and studied Art History at the University of Delaware for two years before transferring to Westfield State and earning a history degree.
She had her path set on being a museum curator, but thankfully reconsidered that path. Inspired by her high school Civics teacher, Mrs. Danker, she pursued teaching.
“I’ve attempted to emulate her wit and poise in my own classroom throughout my career,” Drivas said of Danker. (She has.)
Not many teachers can say they’ve been at their school since before it existed. Drivas can.
She arrived in Lowell in 1999, having previously taught at a small, private alternative school. She was part of the team that created the Lowell High School Alternative Program, then housed in an old bank on John Street. In 2013, it became The Career Academy.
“Jen has worked tirelessly to help our students—many of whom face significant challenges—develop their writing and academic discourse skills,” said Principal Megan O’Loughlin. “She exemplifies the spirit of The Career Academy.”
At last year’s LPS Civics Day, a team of students from The Career Academy won the Grassroots Change Award. It marked the first time any alternative school in Lowell has won this recognition.
Their project, entitled “Mental Health is an Umbrella Issue,” advocated for maintaining funding in the Massachusetts budget for the Jail Diversion Program, the Department of Mental Health, Adult Respite Services and substance use disorder services.
“Through honest conversations about the issues that really impacted them and the city of Lowell, these young men determined mental health was the root cause that needed addressing,” Drivas said. “The experience of preparing for and presenting at Civics Day really built their confidence as learners and taught them that members of their community are interested in learning from them. Winning the award showed them that hard work will lead to action and that being recognized for their hard work feels incredible.”
Today that plaque hangs outside her classroom as a reminder that all Career Academy students are capable of great things.
“This accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, innovative teaching, and belief in her students’ potential,” said O’Loughlin, adding that Drivas not only supports and pushes her students academically, but also socially and emotionally.
“Beyond academics, Jen ensures her students’ basic needs are met, even providing food for those who arrive hungry, while maintaining high expectations that students consistently rise to meet,” she said. “Her care extends well past graduation, as many former students reach out to her years later to share their gratitude and successes. Her combination of compassion, high standards, and unwavering belief in her students makes her an outstanding educator and role model.”
Drivas recalled hearing someone recently refer to The Career Academy as the “hidden gem,” of Lowell Public Schools, a description that resonated with her.
“It reminded me of the Lauren Hill quote that hangs in my classroom ‘don’t be a hard rock, when you really are a gem,’” she said. “I think the Career Academy is chock full of gems that shine with just a little polishing. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it might seem a bit bumpy, but just like one of those rock tumblers, in the end we all come out brighter from the connections we made bouncing around in there.”
All About Mrs. Drivas
Hobbies: Traveling, reading, trivia and snuggling my dog.
Dream Vacation: The Galapagos Islands
Favorite song to sing in the car: Unfortunately for my husband, all of them.
Favorite meal: Pizza with ham and banana pepper
Favorite snack: Charcuterie
Favorite Movie: Drumline and I don’t care who knows it.
Favorite Book: The Poisonwood Bible
Favorite TV Show: Only Murders in the Building
Favorite Fictional Character: Bulkagov’s Margarita
