Little Compton fifth grade math and science teacher Jess Higgins is a fresh face by Little Compton standards, but has made a big enough impact that she's been named the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year, four years after entering the Wilbur McMahon School force.

“In this relatively short time, her impact on our students has been inspiring,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Dias-Mitchell, after announcing Jess Higgins’ achievement at a recent school committee meeting.

“Whether it's an ecological study that involves partnering with the DEM to raise and release salmon, turning trash into treasure through upcycling, or recording and communicating individual, thought-provoking questions with NASA astronauts, Mrs. Higgins's grade five science and math classroom is constantly buzzing with engaging activities.”

Here's what she had to say about the award, and her time in Little Compton:

When did you find out that you were named teacher of the year?

Well, [Dr. Dias-Mitchell] announced it at field day. But she came to me the week before and she had something for me to sign, but I didn’t really know what she was saying — it was at dismissal, and she handed me some papers and said ‘You can take these with you and read them later.” I didn’t really think anything of it at the time.

So it was a shock?

Yes! My jaw just hit the floor. You know, all the kids running around soaking wet at field day, we had just got finished with all the games and were having a blast. That’s when she announced it. I’m not one for having all eyes on me, or getting up in front of people or anything like that! I just love to learn, and I feel like I’m still learning. I was so shocked, because I figured that’s something for a teacher who has been here for a lot longer than me. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m so honored.

What brought you here?

I started subbing for the school back in 2019 and I was in kindergarten. But I’m originally from Princeton, Ma. I went to UMass Dartmouth for my bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and lived on the Cape when I met my husband in 2006. He was stationed at Otis Air Force Base as a maintenance technician for the Coast Guard. Shortly after, we moved to Florida, then to North Carolina, then back up to the Cape, where we had our daughter, Sara. [After a few more moves down South and back again], my husband retired. We debated where we should move in his retirement, and I wanted to go back closer to where family is — in the New England area. [The year before, we were driving down West Main Road while waiting for his aunt and uncle’s wedding in Tiverton] I remember saying, “This is beautiful, this is where we need to live.” I have expensive taste. But I love being next to the ocean. It was like a match made in heaven.

After a degree in an unrelated field, what got you into teaching?

I’ve always loved working with kids, but I never followed that dream. I happened to be dropping my daughter off one day at [her private school in Alabama] and they asked me if I was interested in substitute teaching. One thing led to another, and I started substituting long term with them. When my husband got relocated to North Carolina, I jumped to teaching there, too. My new career kind of blossomed, and I never looked back. I taught for eight years before coming to Wilbur.

What do you love about teaching?

I just love helping children and watching them grow. I love seeing the spark in their eye when they have that ‘Aha!’ moment, when they say, ‘I get it.’ Just being part of that and helping guide them along, seeing their newfound love for learning new things, that’s what drives me every day.

What do you love about Wilbur McMahon?

Everyone at Wilbur really opened their arms to me, and really welcomed me at work. So many people offered to show me around and help me with things. It’s just a great big family. The kids are so bubbly and resilient. My students are always willing to try something new. Everybody has ups and downs, but they stay positive and are driven to learn.

Besides teaching, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?

I still have a love for artc—cwith graphic design and everythingc—cso I do some freelance on the side. I love photography, too. And, of course, I love being on the beach. My husband is now a commercial fisherman after he retired, so when I’m off from teaching and tutoring, I love being on the water with him and my daughter, just along for the ride.