Weston Awards: Jessica Michaud
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the 2026 winners of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.
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Exceptional. Dynamic. Extraordinary. Values-Driven.
These are a few of the adjectives parents used to describe Jessica Michaud, a second grade teacher at Bradford Elementary School, in their nomination letters for the Weston award. They also shared anecdotes of moments that had a lasting impact on their children.
In her classroom, kindness is modeled daily. One parent wrote: “Students feel safe asking questions, making mistakes, and being themselves. My son still chooses to visit her every morning even though he’s in third grade now, and that kind of ongoing connection speaks volumes. She makes each child feel known, supported, and deeply valued — and that stays with them.”
Another said: “Our society needs teachers like Jessica more now than ever. She’s worth three teachers.”
Another wrote: “Ms. Michaud had a paramount role in helping my son navigate a difficult year and overcome his anxiety.”
Simply put: “She understands what the kids are navigating socially in second grade, and she’s there as a support, always leaving the door open to come and talk to her if anything comes up after their initial conversation.”
Ms. Michaud’s teaching style combines academic rigor, creativity, and inclusiveness. Parents cited her unit during Black History Month, which introduced students to a variety of music by Black artists, as well as history and culture. One nominator said their daughter was so inspired by what she learned she advocated taking a trip to New Orleans to hear jazz over spring break.
A project during the unit combined research, writing, creativity, and public speaking.
“Students were not only learning content, but actively expressing themselves through original songs and presentations,” a parent explained. “She encourages students to write their own lyrics, create their own stories, and develop original ideas, making learning both joyful and deeply personal. Her emphasis on reading physical books further fosters imagination and meaningful engagement.”
For creating highly engaging, hands-on lessons, and for making learning feel meaningful, personalized, and joyful, the Montclair community is proud to honor Ms. Michaud as an inspired teacher. Congratulations.
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