About Jackie Thurston

Hi! My name is Jackie Thurston and I am so glad you are visiting my webpage!

This year I am starting my 14th year of teaching 3-5th grade special education at Totoket Valley Elementary School in North Branford, Connecticut, a small town outside of New Haven. Primarily I do an inclusion/co-teaching model within my fifth grade classes, as well as pull-out for my students’ most intensive needs. The best part of my job is the interpersonal connections I make with the students in my school and the strong bonds I have formed with my colleagues.

This year I had an amazing opportunity of being a 2018-2019 Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms fellow. This program included a 4 month intensive course which taught me about the importance of incorporating global ideas, perspectives, and lessons into our lessons. It also brought me to the country of India for an international field experience where I got to intimately learn and explore the educational systems and culture of Delhi and Hyderabad, India. My passion for global education began with my love for travel and culture, but through this program I have been able to examine and implement globalizing my school district.

To find out more information about my school district in North Branford, CT, check out their websites:

North Branford Public Schools Website

Totoket Valley Elementary School Website (The amazing school where I work!)

After getting an MA in Adventure Education, I also started facilitating on ropes courses and camps around the state, as well as performing leadership and team building trainings within my district. My MA degree in Holistic Thinking has lead my interest in Social and Emotional Learning as well as Positive Behavior Support. I also run the After School Enrichment Programs as well as teach the Project Adventure course and a Wilderness Survival class. Other involvement includes sitting on the RTI team, SEL focused school Climate Team, School Leadership committee, Coordinator of the Student Senate and Green Team, and was honored to receive NB Teacher of the Year in 2019.

In my “spare” time, you will find me climbing walls both indoors and out, hiking local mountains, running 5ks, skiing through the trees, or playing ultimate frisbee. I also enjoy being apart of my family book club, being a season ticket holder to the local theater, and traveling as much as possible.

Making connections with people means a great deal to me. Traveling the world and connecting with different people makes me feel alive.