For Jill Flynn, teaching has always been more than a profession—from what this writer observed in our conversation, it’s a calling rooted in love, humor, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Over her 30-year career, Jill has guided countless children through their earliest school experiences in Monmouth-Roseville, helping them build the skills and confidence to thrive.

Jill’s career began in Roseville, where she was the district’s first preschool teacher. “I started the program from scratch,” she recalls. “We were focused on the basics—teaching kids to zip their coats and walk in a line.” Over time, as Roseville merged with Monmouth to form a unified district, Jill’s role evolved. She spent eight years teaching kindergarten before returning to preschool, driven by a desire to help children prepare for the challenges ahead. “I realized how much groundwork preschool lays for success in kindergarten,” she says. “It’s about more than ABCs and 123s—it’s about routines, social skills, and trust.”

Today, Jill teaches in a classroom that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the Monmouth-Roseville community. With students speaking languages such as Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Lingala, and Chin, her classroom is a microcosm of a global village. “Right now, I have seven different languages in my room,” Jill shares. “It’s incredible to see how kids from so many backgrounds come together without even noticing their differences.”

Jill sees this diversity as both a challenge and an opportunity. Tools like TalkingPoints—a real-time translation app—help bridge language gaps between teachers and families. “It allows us to communicate effectively and immediately with parents in their home language,” Jill explains. “It’s a game-changer.” She also draws on community resources like Monmouth College, whose student-athletes volunteer in her classroom. “The kids love having them around, and their presence adds a unique dynamic to our learning environment.”

Over the decades, Jill has witnessed significant changes in the needs of her students. “When I started, the focus was on basic skills, but now we’re preparing kids for the academic rigor of kindergarten,” she says. This shift is partly due to the increasing number of non-native English speakers entering the district. “We’re not just teaching letters and sounds—we’re teaching communication across cultures and languages.”

Despite these challenges, Jill finds joy in the “firsts” she experiences with her students. She recalls a young boy from a warmer climate experiencing his first snowfall. “I can’t wait to see his face when the snow starts falling,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. Moments like these remind Jill of the privilege of her work. “Every day is full of little miracles,” she reflects. “It’s a gift to watch these kids grow and learn.”

Her connection to the community runs deep. Many of her former students are now parents of her current ones, a full-circle moment that Jill cherishes. “I’ve been teaching long enough that I’ve started seeing second generations,” she says with a laugh. “It’s a humbling reminder of the impact teachers can have.”

Jill’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted to remote learning, teaching both students and their parents. “It was amazing to see parents learning alongside their kids,” she recalls. “They were so eager to support their children’s education—it was one of the silver linings of a difficult time.”

Through it all, Jill has maintained a lighthearted approach to her work. “You can’t take yourself too seriously,” she says. “Kids see the world with such wonder—you have to meet them at their level.” Her humor, empathy, and commitment have left an indelible mark on the district and its families.

As Jill looks to the future, her passion remains as strong as ever. “I love seeing the growth in my students,” she says. “Knowing that I’ve played a role in their journey is the greatest reward.”

Jill Flynn’s story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and love for her students and community. Her classroom is a place where every child, regardless of background, is valued, supported, and prepared to take on the world. And because of her story, countless other Monmouth-Roseville stories have taken flight.