Jay Butynski was “shocked and surprised” the day he received an email announcing that he had been chosen as an Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.
“I didn’t know I was nominated or even up for consideration,” he said. “I don’t think of myself as a great teacher. A lot of self-doubt comes with it. It’s nice to feel like you’re making a difference for your students and doing the right thing.”
Jay, 43, grew up in Greenfield, graduated from Greenfield High School and attended UMass Amherst where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. He spent 13 years as a sports reporter and editor at The Greenfield Recorder before deciding to become a teacher.
Although he had no teaching experience or a teaching degree, Jay was hired as a physical education teacher in 2019 at the Newton School in Greenfield. He credits his wife Heather, a preschool teacher at Northfield Elementary, with encouraging him to become a teacher.
“She was pivotal in making me believe that I could do this,” Jay said.
Jay passed his Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) exam for English and history. He came to FCTS five years ago as a history and English teacher and now teaches English exclusively.
FCTS Superintendent Richard Martin and Principal Brian Spadafino both wholeheartedly endorsed Jay for this award.
“Mr. Butynski exemplifies positive teaching and learning through building relationships with students, magnifying their strengths, and strengthening their challenges,” Martin said. “He always has a contagious smile and makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated.”
Spadafino said Jay has an easy rapport with his students that helps account for his success as a teacher.
“Mr. Butynski has an incredible way of making connections with students,” Spadafino said. “Those connections enable him to get the very best out of his students. Another great thing about Mr. Butynski is his willingness to learn and grow as an educator. His passion for teaching, connections with students, and his positive attitude makes him an ideal choice as the Harold Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching award winner. “
Jay is a self-described “goofball” and he believes that quality helps his students feel at ease, engaged and respected.
“I try to build relationships with the kids,” he said. “I try to make the kids feel comfortable and develop a mutual respect for each other. I think that’s what makes kids feel safe here.”
Jay will be honored at a banquet at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on April 30. The program will feature a festive awards ceremony honoring the winners, who will each receive an engraved plaque and check for $250, along with generous tuition incentives and scholarships offered by eight major colleges and universities in the region: American International College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, and the University of Massachusetts.
Winners also receive a three-month membership at the Springfield Jewish Community Center or one of six regional YMCAs.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards program, now in its 22nd year, is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A, Davis Foundation and supported by American International College, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank, and Myers Brothers Kalicka.
“Teachers are some of the hardest working people,” said Uli Nagel, program director, Excellence in Teaching Awards at the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. “We are privileged to honor and celebrate these extraordinary individuals whose dedication and impact reaches far beyond the classroom and who deserve all our appreciation and acknowledgement.”