One of our English teachers in the B-wing hallway at Leominster High School, Mary Fields has now reached her final year of teaching.
Being a teacher since 2003, Fields learned many things throughout her journey. “I’ve learned how much students have impacted me in ways that I didn’t even anticipate, all for the positive, and I learned that from them,” she said. “And that’s been fun. That’s been very rewarding. Other things I’ve learned are to not sweat all the small stuff and to keep students and their needs first,” Fields explained.
One of her best memories of teaching was getting to see her students graduate high school, as well as her students’ performance in class.
“I love going to graduation, that’s always a great joy to see students that I knew as freshmen and some of them again as juniors, walk across that stage and feel like I had a small part in watching them bloom and blossom into the person that they are.”
“I’ve had some great times watching my students perform in class. We had presentations today on immigration and I just appreciate the young adults they’re becoming and how they can research something, process it for themselves, and learn something and be able to share that with their class.”
One of Field’s current students, freshman Jaila Bergeron explained what it was like to have Fields as a teacher.
“I like how when we are reading books or something she’ll stop and talk and go into detail about what’s going on so we can get a better understanding of the story,” said Jaila.
Another one of Fields’ current students is freshman Destinee Jean Pierre who explained what it was like to be one of Fields’ students.
“I like how soft-spoken she is when it comes to questions or explanations and I like how she doesn’t stick to one topic and moves on when needed,” said Destinee.
Not only has she made an impact on her students’ lives she has also made an impact on her colleagues.
Ellen Bernard-Myers, who is also the head of the English Department explained what it was like to work with Fields.
“She is one of the most collaborative, thoughtful, and kind persons I’ve ever worked with. I have worked with her for over 20 years and I can’t think of a single negative interaction or moment,” said Bernard-Myers.
English teacher Neil Difrancesca said of Fields: “It’s going to be quite a loss for us as a department…I don’t think anyone can really replace Mrs. Fields. She brought a unique level of excellence to our ranks, and I’m going to miss that blend of professionalism and personal warmth,” said Difrancesca.
Vice Principal Leah Burns explained what it was like working with Fields. “We didn’t have a ton of contact being in different departments, but she’s just one of those people you get to know because she cares about making connections with people in the building and creating that school community,” said Burns.
English teacher Susan Petralia explained how both she and Fields share a love for traveling, and how it makes a huge impact in Fields’ classroom.
“There’s a saying that travel is the best gift you can give yourself. You grow through travel, learning about other cultures and people from other walks of life.”
“That gift of travel, I’m sure she’s bringing into her classroom for her students. So it says a lot about her. It’s something I really admire her for and respect, and it’s something that I wish I could do more of,” said Petralia.
Another member of the English department, Jennifer Bassett also explained how both she and Fields started at the same time, but didn’t really get to meet each other until they took part in this program for teachers called the “Pilot school,” in which they participated in team activities.
“We had a lot of fun, and it was a very positive experience. Mrs. Fields was very welcoming, very friendly, and she was a good person to have on the team.”
“It’s nice to have work relationships that are not just about work. It’s good to be with someone who is as open, outgoing, and friendly as Mrs. Fields. I’m going to miss her so much,” said Bassett.
I have also reached out to one of our Spanish teachers, many of our students here know him as Mr. Roo down in B-wing. He explains his experiences and interactions with Fields.
“ Mrs. Fields is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She’s very kind, very receptive, and every time I was feeling down or felt like venting out or having a bad day, I’d go to her and talk to her. She has always been very patient and receptive.”
A message that Fields would love to give to her colleagues and students; “Thank you, a heartfelt thank you, and to my students in particular never limit yourself. Keep learning, keep aiming higher. It’s always worth it. “
