MEEKER | After nearly 30 years in education, including more than two decades at Barone Middle School, Jennifer Hutchison is preparing to close the classroom door for the final time.
Hutchison began her teaching career in 1996 at Parkview Elementary in Rangely, teaching third grade for seven years before moving to fifth grade for a year. In 2001, she moved to Meeker and joined Barone Middle School, where she spent the next 23 years teaching generations of local students.
Looking back, Hutchison said her early years helped shape the teacher she would become.
“During my first year, I taught with my third-grade teacher and many veteran teachers, along with an inspiring principal, Mary Lansing, in the same building where I attended school,” Hutchison said. “It was a great experience where I learned a tremendous amount that carried me through my career.”
Though she loved teaching elementary school, Hutchison said moving to middle school came at the right time.
“Moving to Meeker and starting middle school was a welcomed change at a time when I needed it,” she said. “The change of pace and age of students turned out to be the perfect fit. I enjoyed the camaraderie with the students.”
Hutchison said she pursued teaching because she wanted meaningful work and an opportunity to positively impact children during important stages of life. What kept her in education, however, were the relationships she built.
“It is incredibly rewarding to help students become more capable and confident humans,” Hutchison said. “I have a big box full of letters, notes, cards, pictures kids drew and trinkets they made over the years. I will never throw that box away.”
She also credited students, district administration and the school board for helping make her career possible.
“We are incredibly fortunate in Meeker to have administrators who trust teachers to make decisions we feel are best for students,” she said. “We are involved in decision-making and respected as educators.”
Among her favorite memories was a class trip to Denver with students who had missed traditional activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of our students had not been farther than Grand Junction, so it was a great experience for them,” she said.
The trip included a Colorado Rockies game, a tour of the state Capitol and a dinner show. Hutchison said staff prepared students beforehand to help them feel comfortable and confident.
“As usual, the kids shined and made it a fun trip for all of us,” she said. “I’m still not sure how we made it through the crowds and traffic after the game.”
Hutchison also reflected on the relationships she built with coworkers.
“One of the greatest parts of my career has been working alongside coworkers who genuinely support one another,” she said. “We have never been a competitive staff. Instead, we shared ideas, advice, frustrations and celebrations, laughed together and supported each other through difficult times.”
Danielle Feola, a STEM teacher at Barone Middle School, said Hutchison’s impact reached far beyond the classroom.
“It’s difficult to imagine these halls without her laughter, energy and personality,” Feola said. “For so many years, she has been more than a teacher — she has been a source of encouragement, humor, patience and heart.”
Chris Selle said educators like Hutchison play a major role in building consistency and success within a district.
“Staff continuity is one of the most important criteria that promotes student success,” Selle said. “Staff stability leads to excellent outcomes for students.”
As retirement approaches, Hutchison said she is looking forward to spending more time with family, including her husband, daughters and grandchildren, along with traveling and exploring new opportunities.
“I have been in education and stuck in that dialog for many years,” she said. “It is time for new conversations.”
Even so, leaving the classroom will not be easy.
“I will really miss the kids and my friends at Barone,” Hutchison said. “There were days when I questioned my sanity and life choices of teaching middle school, but I was always ready to go back the next day for whatever came my way.”
For new teachers entering the profession, Hutchison offered simple advice: build relationships first.
“Taking the time to build relationships with kids at the beginning of the year will make for a more productive, enjoyable and fun year,” she said.
“Teaching is about far more than academics,” Hutchison said. “It’s about helping young people see strengths in themselves and others and giving everyone a chance to be successful in and out of the classroom.”
Jennifer Hutchison smiles while holding a sign that reads “This is my last school picture ever!” during her final school photo of the school year. Hutchison is retiring after nearly three decades in education, including 23 years at Barone Middle School.
