by Jen Myers

(Each month, Wellpoint,  Lowell Public Schools and InsideLowell 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)

Depending on the week, you may find Jen Tarini helping students chop vegetables for a cooking class, discover the correct rhythm for performing CPR, perfect their braiding technique, or just sitting with a student to learn more about their strengths, ambitions, and worries.

“My role is to bridge the gap between school and the community,” said Tarini, the Community School Program Manager at The Career Academy. “I work to introduce and foster relationships between students and community members through programs such as career speakers and expanded learning opportunities; the more exposure students have to the community and the services available, the better equipped they will be after graduation.”

The Career Academy on Smith Steet in the city’s Highlands neighborhood, is a high school program serving about 80 students aimed at re-engaging kids 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. The graduates earn a Lowell High School diploma, they just do the work in a smaller setting.

Tarini, a LHS alumnus, did not grow up wanting to be a teacher. After high school she started as a theatre major at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then bounced around a bit to different schools unsure of what she wanted to do, before earning a bachelor’s degree in English from UMass Boston and later her master’s in Education from Fitchburg State University.

“I never wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “My high school guidance counselor tried to convince me that it would be a good fit, but I could not envision it. Fast forward several years and I was working at LPS central office. A colleague of mine, Karen Rothschild, urged me to get my teaching license and give the classroom a try. I never imagined that I would enjoy teaching as much as I did.”

Tarini began her teaching career as an eighth-grade English teacher at the Sullivan Middle School. She loved the work and her students, but started to get restless and looking for a change, decided to hit the gym. She took a position as a physical education teacher at the Pyne Arts Magnet School for a year before heading back to the Sullivan as physical education teacher.

As someone always looking for a new challenge and ways to make an impact in the lives of students, she was intrigued when the Community School Program Manager position was posted at The Career Academy last school year.

“I just felt drawn to apply,” she said, “I started out working on the original Community Schools grant back in the late nineties under Jay Lang. It felt like a full circle moment and from the moment I met the people at the Career Academy, I knew I wanted to be there.”

Community schools are places where the strengths and needs of students, families, and neighborhood are addressed through partnership. A network of local agencies brings resources, services, and programs directly to the school buildings.

“One initiative that we have started this year is providing students opportunities to gain certifications or college credits allowing them a head start on post-high school plans,” Tarini said. “We have several students who will obtain OSHA, CPR, or ServeSafe certification as well as college credits. We plan to grow the initiative to include all our students.”

Tarini said it can be challenging to find something to interest every student, but the small size of the school allows it to really feel like a family and for the students and staff to build strong relationships.

“I approach each student with curiosity and patience,” she said. “I ask questions and let them share when they are ready. When they are comfortable with me, I give them a nudge to try a program offering.  Overall, I just try to present my most authentic self, flaws and all.  Kids are smart and know when you when you are being fake.”

Tarini has been a tremendous boost to The Career Academy community, said Principal Megan O’Loughlin.

“Her tireless work and dedication has brought an abundance of opportunities for our school community including but not limited to employment opportunities, job training, early college opportunities, career speakers, extracurricular activities, certifications, internships and so much more,” she said. “With Mrs. Tarini at the helm of the Community School program more than 80% of the students have participated in offered programs leading to increased attendance, decreased behaviors and more classes passed. The Career Academy is very lucky to have Jen Tarini!”

Tarini said she is hopeful the Community Schools program will continue to expand and thrive.

“I envision more internships, job shadowing and college credit opportunities,” she said. “I would also like to expand offerings to families.”

The relationship between her and the students is not a one-way street, she said.

“The students have unknowingly taught me the power of resilience.” She said. “Many of our students have faced difficult times, but have demonstrated a great deal of grit to move forward.”

She added she has discovered that most of the kids just want to be heard and to have someone there for them when they stumble.

“I want students to understand that life is an ongoing process of learning, making mistakes and adapting,” Tarini said. “Know when to ask for help and when to make changes that will aid in your physical and mental well-being. Be kind to those around you and grateful for the positive aspects of your life.”

All About Mrs. Tarini

Hobbies: Reading, Online Shopping
Dream Vacation: Bora Bora
Favorite song to sing in the car: I Go Blind
Favorite meal: Eggplant Parmesan
Favorite snack: Popcorn
Favorite Movie: The Internship
Favorite Book: The Hunger Games
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Fictional Character: Alexis Rose