All About Mrs. Stygles


Q - Where did I go to school?

A - I went to Lesley College and received my bachelors in Elementary Education and Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I continued at Lesley University for my masters and graduated with a masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Literacy.


Q - What grades have I taught?

A - I did my student teaching in a 1st/2nd grade classroom in Cambridge. I was an aide for a year in a third grade classroom at the Devotion School in Brookline. When I came to the Hanlon School in the fall of 2007, I taught third grade for a year and fourth grade for seven years. I moved to second grade in the fall of 2015.


Q - Why did I become a teacher?

A - When I was younger, I used to come home and play school EVERYDAY! I adored all my teachers growing up and they were great models for my "play" teaching. When I was in high school, I took child development classes and had the opportunity to plan and supervise toddler playgroups. My favorite year of high school was when I got to walk over to the elementary school next door and do some student teaching in a fifth grade classroom. I was hooked! Throughout high school and college, I babysat and worked at a daycare center. I just loved working with children and always knew I wanted to become a teacher. I am the luckiest person in the world because I truly love what I do!


Q - Where am I originally from?

A - I'm from the south eastern part of Connecticut. I moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to attend college. I fell in love with the Boston area and never left.


Q - Who is in your family?

A - I have a wonderful husband, Mr. Stygles, who is also a fire fighter. Our first son Danny was born in 2016 and our second son Matthew was born in 2017. Back in 2014, my husband and I rescued a puppy (black lab mix) and we named him Murry. I'm from a large family and I love it! I have two older and two younger brothers. I also have two nephews and a niece. My parents got divorced when I was young, so I also have a step-dad.


Q - What are a few of your favorite things?

A - I love summer, warm weather, and reading at the beach. I find it relaxing to garden and bake. When I have time, I love getting lost in a good story! I can't choose one favorite color, but I do love cool colors like blues and purples. My favorite foods are pizza, watermelon, caramel, and anything with milk chocolate.


Q - What are things you are trying to learn right now?

A - I love researching fun activities to do with my sons and different tricks to teach my dog. I'm learning how to garden and how to take care of different flowers. Lastly, I love technology and I'm always trying to find new ways to bring it into my classroom.


Q - What's the best way to contact you?

A - If you need to contact me, please feel free to email me: jstygles@westwood.k12.ma.us