Thank you to Gwen Agna for your wonderful service to the lucky children of Northampton. You and I have never met, but, as a local educator myself, I’ve heard your name for years, and known Jackson Street School’s reputation, providing an exciting and engaging learning environment where children are supported to do their best work.
Thank you to Vijay Prashad for sharing some of Gwen Agna’s background (“Ms. Agna stands at the crosswalk,” Feb. 11). I’m also a fan of “Neill,” as he was known to his students — and affectionately — “Neill, Neill, Orange Peel.” A.S. Neill was the creator and founder of Summerhill School in England in the early 20th century.
Neill, along with Maria Montessori, believed in child-centered learning, where children want to be of service, where their learning is guided and self-directed, ultimately leading to the possibility of a more loving and harmonious society. Ms. Agna takes her place among these visionary educators.
Best wishes in wherever your path leads you.
Susan Triolo
Sunderland
The writer is a retired Springfield teacher.