Lakes Region educators honored for classroom culture, teaching style

Lakes Region students are lucky to have exceptional teachers like Gilford’s Jenn McDonald and Wolfeboro’s Jonathan Browher, especially since both are being honored for their commitment to their pupils and overarching teaching styles.

Guiding Golden Eagles in Gilford

McDonald, a math teacher at Gilford High School going into her seventh year, is one of three finalists for New Hampshire’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.

“Each of these three educators exemplifies leadership and innovation in teaching. They bring a deep commitment to enhancing schools, inspiring students, and driving forward ambitious ideas for learning,” said Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner for the Department of Education and Teacher of the Year Selection Committee member. “Every year, we’re honored to celebrate these outstanding professionals, and this year we’re especially excited to highlight the energy and excellence they bring to their classrooms.”

And it’s true. Her peers can't say enough good things about McDonald’s classroom culture.

“One of the things that impresses me about Jenn is the ability within a class to move kids individually. She’ll work to move kids at the appropriate pace within the class, it’s a real skill to have,” said Gilford High Director of Athletics Rick Acquilano. “She certainly makes kids feel safe. With that safe environment, kids understand risk-taking is OK.”

McDonald truly believes math should be attainable for students, often meeting them where they’re at and cultivating that safe environment where students can make mistakes — and learn from them.

“I think it really is building that rapport, but my favorite part of teaching is seeing that moment, especially students, when you see that lightbulb moment,” she said. “They realize, ‘Oh, I can do this. I am a math person.’”

It’s a recognition McDonald didn’t expect, but is grateful for.

“It was a real honor to be recognized. One of my students nominated me, so that was an incredible honor,” she said, adding she’s enjoyed the application process and networking with other like-minded educators. “Gilford is such a close-knit community that really supports their own, so I don’t feel nervous. I’m excited that the selection committee will get to experience Gilford High School.”

Providing skills now that will carry into the future is an important part of her teaching style, and in her mind, the limit does not exist.

“Giving students the freedom to explore math in ways that make sense to them, that’s a life skill,” she said.

Gilford High Principal Anthony Sperazzo shared similar sentiments about McDonald’s teaching style.

“There is so much interaction and collaboration, but it’s not quiet,” Sperazzo said. “It’s messy math and messy learning.”

Assistant Principal Tim Goggin agreed.

“She can teach students who struggle in math, or those who are really gifted,” he said. “She has a way of connecting with the students where they’re at, and supporting them through the scaffolds.”

In addition to teaching math at Gilford High, McDonald also serves as the Math Team coach and is co-adviser for the school’s National Honor Society. She gave remarks at the 2025 graduation ceremony as the student-elected speaker, and last year, completed the Camino Portugues coastal route to Santiago.

The state 2026 Teacher of the Year Selection Committee will make their decision by October.

Boosting Bobcats at Brewster

Across Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, Browher, a history teacher at Brewster Academy, was named the 2025 New Hampshire History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The annual award recognizes “exceptional K-12 educators for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to inspiring students through the study of history.”

“Jon’s influence extends far beyond his classroom,” said Head of School Kristy Kerin in a press release. “His dedication to both his students and the greater Wolfeboro community exemplifies the best of Brewster’s mission: developing leaders who value learning, responsibility, and connection.”

Alternative career paths intrigued Browher, like journalism, but a few history classes changed his mind forever.

“I realized it wasn’t just about learning facts. It’s about learning how to experience history as an apprentice learns a trade, and learn how to dive into and make sense of primary sources,” said Browher.

A teacher at Brewster for 14 years, Browher works to bring history to life in his classroom, creating an atmosphere conducive for critical thinking. Gone are the days of rote memorization, and in are the days of hands-on historical inquiry.

“I try to make history regenerative. Students should walk away not just knowing what happened, but able to make sense of it for themselves,” he said. “Thinking is more important than ever. If students can question, evaluate, and make meaning for themselves, they’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”

Browher currently serves on the board of directors for the Wolfeboro Area Children’s Center, the Castle Preservation Society in Moultonborough and as the outdoor skills coordinator for Brewster, where he leads students in climbing and outdoor adventure programs.

Additionally, he teaches AP history and was awarded the school’s revered Arthur Morris Kenison Career Growth Award in 2018.

“I appreciate the many ways that Jonathan finds to bring history alive for students and to help them develop an understanding of responsible, informed civic engagement,” said Kerin. “His teaching, service, and leadership are a great example for his students about what it means to be an educator and community member in New Hampshire.”

The honor is meaningful to Browher.

“The Gilder Lehrman Institute does so much for teachers, so being recognized by them means a lot to me.”