Sharon M. Jacobs
Sharon Jacobs is an experienced educator and tutor based in Barre, Vermont, with a lifelong commitment to supporting students’ academic and personal growth. She has spent 45 years at Barre City Schools, holding roles ranging from Paraeducator and Behavior Specialist to Special Educator and Alternative Classroom Educator. For the past seven years before her retirement in 2024, she led the Middle School Alternative Program, providing specialized support to students with diverse learning needs. Since retiring, Sharon has continued her passion for education by tutoring high school students part-time through Spaulding High School, helping them achieve academic success through individualized instruction. Her career has been defined by a dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments, supporting both students and their families, and advocating for effective educational strategies. Beyond her classroom work, Sharon has contributed to her community through leadership roles, including serving as President and Treasurer of the Turning Point Center of Central Vermont. A graduate of Johnson State College with a BA in Special Education and Elementary Education, she combines deep expertise in classroom management and special education with a lifelong commitment to mentorship, guidance, and the empowerment of young learners.
• Johnson State College- B.A.
• Renita Marshall Helping Hands Foundation
• NEA
• Former Board member for Turning Point Center of Central Vermont
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a steadfast commitment to believing in students who others had written off, blending the roles of teacher, advocate, and mentor to help them overcome behavioral and emotional barriers. For over four decades, witnessing students thrive under consistency, fairness, and high expectations—and hearing years later that my guidance made a real difference in their lives—has been the most rewarding measure of my work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to always lead with empathy and follow your instincts—this work requires patience, dedication, and a genuine passion for supporting students with behavioral challenges, and the rewards come from helping them recognize their own worth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education today is the shortage of educators and the lack of recognition for the demanding work they do, which can lead to burnout. At the same time, there’s a powerful opportunity to support students with behavioral challenges by providing the structure, guidance, and belief in their potential that allows them to thrive academically and personally.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are growth, perseverance, and empathy—believing in continuous learning, working hard to overcome challenges, and seeing every student for who they truly are rather than the labels placed on them.