Spotlight: Jillian Levreault (MA '24)

Massachusetts Milken Educator Jillian Levreault (MA ‘24) is a sixth grade science teacher at Southbridge Middle School. By weaving inquiry-based learning into every lesson, she sparks student engagement while fostering connections that extend far beyond the school building. From cheering at school events to leading professional development for her peers, Levreault displays a commitment to excellence that is a true inspiration. Levreault received her Milken Educator Award on February 7, 2025.

Milken Family Foundation: How did you feel at your Milken Educator Award notification?

I felt overwhelmed, honored and humbled by the entire experience. It was great to feel validated in my profession and was and still is greatly appreciated. 

MFF: How did students respond to your Milken Award?

My students were very proud and excited. It made them happy and motivated to see that their teacher was seen as someone doing a great job for them, as many of their teachers do. 

MFF: What made you want to pursue a career in education?

I wanted to pursue a career in education because I want to make a difference for students who really need to be seen, heard, and pushed to reach their potential. I want to be the teacher I wished I had when I was a student. 

MFF: How do you create a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, accountability and student participation?

I make sure to remain consistent in my practices throughout the year. I ensure students have clear academic and behavioral expectations that I and the school’s structure support them to meet. I find it very important for students to know and understand the “why” behind all things both academically and behaviorally that I ask them to do. Students are coached to support one another in their learning and learn as a community, which increases student participation, engagement and accountability. Students know and understand the importance of working as a team and supporting each other. The use of the OpenSciEd curriculum that I use in my classroom directly aligns with this philosophy and further supports this classroom culture.

MFF: How do you balance your many roles while ensuring meaningful growth for both students and colleagues?

I spend a lot of time preparing lessons and refining my lessons off the clock in addition to during scheduled prep times to ensure that my students and colleagues receive the best version of me at school. I plan my responsibilities to prioritize the things that require the most time and are most impactful. 

MFF: What does “success” look like for you and your students in life?

Success for me looks like being happy and feeling fulfilled both at work and in my personal life. For students this looks the same. I want all students to be prepared to live a life of their choosing rather than having limited options. This is why I feel it is important to teach skills during your time with students that go beyond just content, but using the content to instill other life lessons surrounding professionalism, work ethic and respect for others and one's self.

MFF: Who are your role models in education?

My role models in education are untraditional. I had a college professor, Fred Launer, who pushed me to work hard, go above and beyond, have patience, and think on my feet. I was also inspired by negative experiences I had in my own educational journey that allowed me to learn what not to do when I was given the same privilege of teaching students and being in a position to make an impact on their lives.

MFF: How do you hope to be remembered by your students?

I want to be remembered as someone who pushed them to be the best versions of themselves, built up their confidence both inside and outside of the classroom and helped them discover things that they never imagined they could do. Someone who believed in their potential and helped set them up to be able to become whatever they want to be in the future. I want my students to feel that they were at an advantage because I was their teacher.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

I am currently working to fine tune the existing initiatives that both my classroom and school as a whole have in place. Southbridge Middle School is making some great gains both in academics and in culture, and is on track to have another great school year centered in high expectations and consistency, with students always at the forefront. There are so many great educators here working on their craft every day, just like me!