By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
The Catholic Register
He could see for himself, but it was what others were saying that also prompted Chad Meitner to nominate Jennie Helget for Teacher-of-the-Year honors for the Salina Diocese.
“I have only heard good things about how she handles all the situations that teachers can encounter in a classroom—diplomatic, kind, very creative,” he listed. “She is the perfect blend: good in the classroom with kids, good with parents, good with co-workers … an all-around example of what a Catholic school teacher should be.”
Consequently, Helget—a math teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian Junior High in Hays—represented the Salina Diocese as its educator of the year earlier this month at the annual KAIRS Conference in Topeka.
Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools is the state’s largest organization of non-public schools.
And Helget was honored and humbled to represent the diocese at the state conference.
“When Chad told me he would like to nominate me from TMP, I was thrilled that I was recognized within my own teaching team,” she said. “But this—it was definitely a surprise!”
After moving to Hays when she was 8 years old, Helget attended all local schools, including Fort Hays State University.
After graduation from FHSU, she filled in at Kennedy Middle School for a semester after a teacher passed away, and that next year, a teaching position opened up at Holy Family Elementary.
Following a 20-year career at Holy Family, she moved across town to TMP-M Jr. High.
On her nomination form, Helget was described as “dedicated, inspirational, follows seriously the belief that a supportive and active learning environment matters. Her positivity is contagious!”
She doesn’t look at teaching as a job but rather as a vocation.
“I love teaching, and I love being here in a Catholic school. It’s very meaningful in my life,” she said.
"The best part is," she added, "that I get to share my Catholic faith all day, wherever it fits in."