Dutch Lane Elementary School teacher Jaimie Fleschner went from the classroom to the pitcher’s mound recently, winning KJOY’s “Best Teacher On Long Island” contest.
Fleschner still doesn’t know who nominated her for the contest and only found out she had been entered after she got a phone call from the radio station.
“They told me I was nominated and I was completely shocked and flattered. It was a great feeling,” says Fleschner.
Fleschner was voted the winner by people from all over Long Island, including her colleagues, students, parents and other K-JOY listeners. Fleschner won 50 free tickets to a Long
Island Ducks game and was also asked to throw the first pitch out to Buddy Harrelson, owner of the Ducks and former player with the NY Mets.
“It was great being able to take students and family and friends and share it with them,” says Fleschner. “Looking up at the crowd and hearing them cheering and seeing my name in lights was unreal.”
Fleschner has been teaching for 13 years and says she found her home in Hicksville about eight years ago. Her parents inspired her to go into the profession.
“Both my parents are teachers. Seeing my mom’s rapport with her students and staff and parents was amazing. I always looked up to that and wanted something like that,” Fleschner said. “I saw the difference she made and I wanted to do it also.”
She started as a general education teacher but after her nephew was born with a disability, got her Special Education license and began teaching in Hicksville.
“I love the little moments of watching the light bulb go off in a child. Just seeing them grow. It’s so rewarding,” she says. “I’m very grateful and lucky to be able to do what I love.
It’s not a job. It’s something I look forward to waking up to.”
