Littleton Chevrolet's Teacher Giveaway - Winner - Kelsey Wright - Heartwood Public Charter School.
After our conversations with Kelsey and her husband Will on Saturday, we were so excited to tell Kelsey's story and all she does...Let's get into it.
At Littleton Chevrolet, supporting the exceptional educators who shape the young minds of our North Country youth is one of our most rewarding community initiatives. Through our annual Teacher Giveaway, we have the privilege of sitting down with passionate teachers who bring energy, vision and heart to their classrooms every single day. On Saturday, our General Manager, Duane Coute, had the pleasure of spending time with another one of our remarkable winners: Kelsey Wright, a dedicated 2nd Grade Teacher at Heartwood Public Charter School in Jefferson, NH, who came by with her husband to share her journey, her love for teaching and her unique vision for primary education.
Kelsey’s career in education began after graduating from high school in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Driven by a desire to make a difference in children’s lives, she pursued her higher education at Plymouth State University, graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She kicked off her teaching career at Berlin Elementary, where she taught Kindergarten for two years. However, when she heard whispers about a new educational concept taking root in the region...Heartwood Public Charter School...she felt called to take a leap of faith. Though the school was not yet in existence, Kelsey applied, earned the job and joined a pioneering effort. When Heartwood opened its doors, it did so with flying colors, instantly becoming an incredible asset to the Jefferson community.
Heartwood is a nature-based charter school, built around the philosophy that outdoor exploration is fundamental to childhood development. Every single day, students spend a full hour outside...climbing trees, constructing forts and experimenting in a custom mud kitchen (because who doesn’t love a well-crafted mud pie?). Beyond outdoor play, science and community integration form the bedrock of their curriculum. Kelsey’s students actively participate in hands-on stewardship projects, such as building and maintaining a local food pantry. Gathering community donations gives the young learners a profound sense of civic pride and generosity. Furthermore, by visiting local farms and practicing sustainable agriculture, the students develop a deep understanding of where their food comes from and how to care for the environment for future generations.
In an age dominated by screens, Heartwood’s nature-centric model offers a refreshing balance. As Kelsey explained, the school maintains a low-tech environment from Kindergarten through 2nd Grade. It isn't until 3rd Grade that Chromebooks are introduced for research and typing practice and the school holds a strict policy that a student’s first formal paper must be written traditionally using pencil and paper. With just 12 students in Kelsey’s 2nd Grade class, the small group size creates the perfect setting for individualized instruction and strong teacher-student bonds.
Kelsey’s passion and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. Last year, she was named a Semi-Finalist for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year. To achieve this prestigious honor, community members and parents must submit glowing recommendation letters, participate in rigorous evaluation rounds with the NH Education Commissioner and his staff and stand out among top educators state-wide until the group is narrowed down to just nine finalists. It is an extraordinary accomplishment and we at Littleton Chevrolet could not be prouder to see her talent recognized at the highest state level.
When asked what she loves most about her profession, Kelsey’s enthusiasm is contagious. “I love everything,” she shared. “I love being creative every day and watching my students be creative as well. They want to learn on their own and it is such a joy. I want to continue to be that safe person for them. Teaching is fun...we are not rigid at Heartwood. Things flow and we are allowed to flow. Tying their interests into learning is a win-win for all of us.”
Kelsey notes that she feels most like her true self when she is standing in front of her class. She credits much of her happiness to the tight-knit network of educators surrounding her, stating, “We have a great community with my fellow teachers and close friends. We help each other.”
This school year marks a special milestone for Kelsey. When she first started at Heartwood, she taught Kindergarten, then looped up to 1st Grade with the same cohort and followed them once more into 2nd Grade. This year is her first time passing that cherished group along to the next grade and welcoming a completely new class. “It was so cool to follow those kids' journeys,” Kelsey reflected. “They are in good hands.”
Even the most dedicated teachers face challenges and for Kelsey, the primary struggle is personal burnout. “I give so much every day and week and by the end of the day, I need to work on giving back to myself,” she admitted candidly. To recharge her battery, she makes time to step back, read a good book, paint watercolors or simply relax by the fire with her husband and dogs ensuring she is in a healthy headspace to give her all to her students the next day.
That same spirit of grace extends directly to her students. One of Kelsey’s favorite core messages to her class is simple yet powerful: “You do not need to be perfect... just need to do your best.” This empowering mindset allows her 2nd graders to relax, release fear of failure and enjoy the learning process.
When asked how she plans to use her $500 Amazon Gift Card, Kelsey already had a wonderful list ready to enhance her classroom environment: “My class loves to read, so I will be getting more chapter books. I also need more art supplies to let their creativity shine. I might grab a wood-burning kit, some new puzzles, and a bookshelf...I love keeping our classroom organized!”
Congratulations, Kelsey! Thank you for spending time with Duane and our team at Littleton Chevrolet. You are an extraordinary educator, a inspiring role model and a true gift to the students at Heartwood Public Charter School. We are cheering you on for another fantastic school year! Heartwood Public Charter School #heartwoodpublicchartschool #Teachers #WeloveourTeachers #Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet #LittletonChevrolet Jefferson, New Hampshire
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