Jay Flaherty: When in Doubt, Act Like a 7th Grader

Front Porch Magazine
December 2013 (pg 21)

It’s tough to reach students, especially middle school students.  With the noisy spectacle of our world today, making connections has become one of the most difficult challenges for teachers.  They must be adept at engaging students in a technology driven environment, where games become the norm and success is measured by reward alone.  So, when Jay Flaherty, a 7th grade civics teacher at Dixon-Smith Middle School in Stafford County, was nominated by a student last December for B101.5’s A+ Teacher of the Month and received a surprise visit from the DJs during lunch, he was humbled and honored.  You see, Mr. Flaherty is all about making connections with the kids, and they know it.

Jay Flaherty teaches his 7th Grade government class at Dixon-Smith Middle School in Stafford County, VA.