Henrico's Top Teachers – Megan Blunt

When Megan Blunt and her husband started a family, they searched for a home in the Ashe Elementary School zone because they wanted their children to attend the school.

But then their neighborhood was redistricted into the new Harvie Elementary zone when that school opened. Blunt, then teaching at Glen Lea Elementary, was disappointed that their plan wasn’t going to materialize.

Until it did. A job opened at Ashe, and Blunt transferred to fill it. She’s been there for the past five years teaching fourth grade.

Both of her boys now attend the school, and she gets to see them frequently.

“My oldest is right across the hall, and a couple days ago he jammed his fingers in the door and came running across to my room,” Blunt said, with a laugh. “At first, people were wondering why he came to me at first, and I said, ‘I’m his mom!’”

As a parent, Blunt understands the importance of daily achievements – and she finds ways to highlight those for each of her students so that their parents can experience them, too.

“Mrs. Blunt shows great support to her students and consistently motivates and encourages them to do their best,” the parent of one of her students wrote in a nomination letter. “She shows support by posting videos of their notable moments and achievements on [an app called] Dojo and does a wonderful job of keeping parents informed.”

At the beginning of each school year, Blunt asks her students what their favorite subjects are. Most say social studies or science. Few say math – Blunt’s favorite subject.

“My kids always start off the year and don’t like math but they absolutely love it at the end,” she said. “I think it’s the challenge of it all. I think of it like a puzzle – I tell them they can always try it again a different way.”

Blunt makes a point to become invested in the lives of each student – something she’s learned through the years is critically important.

“I always tell new teachers how important it is to build relationships outside the realm of education,” she said. “I eat lunch with my students every day. I play with them on the playground regularly. I am always seeing them in the community, going to their baseball games, etc.

“Usually when you do that, it’s easier to help them want to do what you need them to do academically.”

Blunt regularly is the teacher sought out to chat with other students who need someone to listen.

“My coworkers send kids to my room all the time just to talk to them, calm them down,” she said. “I love being able to impact the people and the kids that are in my community. I know that we will continue to have that connection because they will grow up with my children.”

Her impact is noticeable to the families whose children she has taught.

“Mrs. Blunt has impacted my daughter by encouraging and motivating her to be the best version of her; not just as a student but also as an individual,” the parent wrote. “My daughter looks up to her and constantly talks about how easy it is to talk to her and how she helps her understand the material. I know she has made a lasting impact because my daughter is always looking for creative ways to do nice things for her!”