Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 13

Thornton Academy Teacher of the Year Jason Cote
instructs students on today's Chinese economy.
Teacher of the Year Jason Cote shares his passion for learning
A
few moments is all the time
necessary to understand why
Jason Cote was selected as Teacher
of the Year 2018 at Thornton
Academy. His intelligence,
perceptiveness, dedication, and
excellent teaching skills become
apparent nearly instantly upon
entering his classroom.
with his students. He teaches his
students critical thinking skills that
they need to analyze data, patterns,
and news articles.
“In the days of having a super-
computer in your pocket, there is
greater value in methodology and
less on rote memorization,” said
Cote about his teaching philosophy.
Cote teaches in the history
department and conducts weekly
Cote was inspired to go into
original research to stay fresh in
teaching by his grandfather, a long-
his field and share new information time math teacher at Biddeford
“
Mr. Cote is an amazing teacher with a diverse
teaching style. He is considerate and truly
cares about the success of his students."
Christina Casvikes '20
Story by Katy Nicketakis · Photo by Katy Nicketakis
High School, Robert Dumas.
He describes how on walks through
town with his grandfather people
would constantly be stopping them
to express admiration, respect, and
thanks.
“He taught me to ask myself, ‘How
do I contribute to my community?
How can I change the future in my
own small way?’” Cote said as he
reflected on the legacy left to him
by his grandfather.
Students appreciate Cote’s
dedication to the craft of teaching
and the trust and hope that
he bestows upon his students.
Admiration for Cote’s teaching is
not limited to students. Nominated
by three of his colleagues, support
for this teacher spans the entire
school.
13