Maria Hodgins
Staff Writer

Almost four hundred students were polled to find Westford Academy’s favorite male and female teachers. After hours of tallying, the results came in: Russ Coward and Janet Keirstead won.

Janet Keirstead is an English teacher at WA. As the interview progressed, it became clear why the majority of students voted for her. She is lively, animated, and funny. She even recited her “Joke of the Week.”

After the interview, students were asked on camera what they thought of Keirstead. Each student had positive reactions, and one even specifically mentioned her fun tactic of teaching vocabulary words.

“I would say something funny [about her], but that’s Ms. Keirstead’s job and not mine,” said freshman Laura Shapiro.
“I’m really happy with what I’m doing,” said Keirstead about teaching.

Even the other winner, Russ Coward, had great things to say about Keirstead.

“She’s an excellent teacher. She’s very kind… and genuine. She’s excellent… I consider her a friend and she’s a great teacher,” said Coward.