“Teaching has been my magic”: A Tribute to Georgianne Jensen

There is a well-known secret among the students and staff at Cedar Ridge Elementary: once you step into Ms. Jensen’s first-grade classroom, you belong to her for life.

“I always tell my kids they are mine forever,” Jensen smiles. “I love seeing them as they progress through the grades. I love seeing their successes as they grow older and have families of their own. As they are transitioning into second grade, I tell them they can come say 'hi' to me and come see me. And, they do!”

This year, as “Georgie” prepares to close the door on an incredible 33-year teaching career, the Cedar Ridge community is honoring her as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year. 

Principal Amy Bassett became emotional as she described her colleague of many years. “I am so blessed to be able to work with Georgianne,” she said. “She’s just amazing.”

Bassett shared a poem by Pat Morris to capture the feelings Ms. Jensen inspires in her students and peers:

An Ode to Teachers:

A kind teacher is a guiding light

Patient and wise

Shaping minds with care

Igniting curiosity and making students feel valued.

Helping students grow strong and confident

Seeing potential and offering support behind lessons

Truly changing lives with her empathy and encouragement.

“Every one of those words is Georgianne,” Bassett said through tears. “I just love her so much.”

Jensen’s colleagues and friends describe her as born to teach. She admits that education has always felt like a calling. “I have always wanted to be a teacher,” she reflects. “When I went to college, I tried other majors, but I always came back to education.”

After exploring different age groups—including stints in both second and fourth grade—she finally found her ultimate home. “First grade is my love,” she smiled. “It is my magic.” 

Her passion and empathy, however, are not indicators that her life has been easy. Georgie has had to face a number of challenges at home that could easily have prevented her from bringing her all to the classroom. For many years, she spent long days at school and then spent the rest of her evening caring for an aging father. 

“But,” Principal Bassett noted, “she is a pure professional. Georgie goes the extra mile for others. No matter what challenges were placed upon her at school—and there were many—she was always prepared, stayed positive, and showed love to all her students. No parents knew. The kids didn’t know.”

Ms. Jensen’s example of strength and kindness has inspired many students and colleagues. They bask in her warmth– the kind that comes not from comfort and ease, but from deliberate choice. With characteristic humility, she credits others with being a source of courage. “I have taught with the most wonderful people who have become my family,” she wrote. “My team of teachers has strengthened me and helped me become a better teacher.”

While the conclusion of this school year marks her official retirement, Georgie’s version of "retirement" looks a lot like the rest of her life: serving children. She doesn't plan on staying away from the classroom for long, with plans already in place to return to the school as a volunteer wherever help is needed.

“I think everyone at Cedar Ridge would agree that we all love Georgie,” Principal Bassett concludes. “She is just amazing.”