Teacher Feature: Jill Mongeau

Teacher Feature: Jill Mongeau
Posted on 09/15/2015
Jill Mongeau, Band/Music Teacher at WJSHS!

Coming to Ware in December of 2014, Ms. Mongeau started the “Adopt an Instrument” campaign to try to refurbish and rebuild the inventory of instruments available to students in Ware in order to rebuild the music program. Currently, the campaign has raised nearly $10,000.00 and has repaired numerous instruments and even purchased a few brand new ones thanks to the generosity of many. Mongeau hopes to continue to grow both the instrumental and vocal programs at WJSHS.

Mongeau graduated Cum Laude from UMASS-Amherst in 1986 and obtained her Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University in 1997, graduating with a 4.0 average. She taught in Rochester, NH for 1 year (1986-1987), Lee, MA for 20 years (1987-2007), Ludlow, MA for 6 years (2007-2013), and at Springfield Technical Community College (2000-2004), teaching instrumental, vocal and general music over the years. She also currently teaches percussion at Amherst College. She has hosted student teachers from both Westfield State College and UMASS-Amherst and is a percussionist in the area for many organizations. She has also performed at Stage West (City Stage) and the Majestic Theatre. Mongeau has received many honors and awards including a Chancellor’s Talent Award from UMASS-Amherst (a full tuition waiver, 1982-1986), a Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Grant (1986), a Massachusetts Music Educators Association “Outstanding Music Educator” Award (1999-2000), was a Disney American Teacher Award Nominee for two consecutive years (2000 & 2001), was a recipient of a Harold Grinspoon “Excellence in Teaching” Award (2010) and most recently the “Excellence in Teaching” Award from the VFW at the post, district and state levels, (2014). Mongeau has also had the privilege of meeting Yoyo Ma initiated by a student composed letter and being the guest of Katharine McPhee having one of her former students as a member of her band.

Mongeau is thrilled to have come back to the area to teach in Ware and be closer to her family having grown up in Gilbertville. Mongeau lives in Hardwick and has the cutest grandson in the universe who she loves spending time with, Ajay who is currently 2 ½.