About the School

Jacqueline M. Walsh was a professor of education and a former Pawtucket teacher, elementary school principal and deputy superintendent. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Rhode Island College, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut.

Ms. Walsh was an adjunct assistant professor at Providence College, where she had been a special lecturer in elementary mathematics and science since 1996. She served as director of literacy programs for Pawtucket schools, a job she had held since 1996. Jackie worked in the Pawtucket School Department for 32 years before retiring to take the position at PC.

Pawtucket School Superintendent Hans W. Dellith described her as a gifted administrator with a talent for getting people to work together: "I've talked to teachers, retired teachers, retired custodians," he said, "Everybody loves Jackie." He was especially effusive on the topic of her work on the district's curriculum redesign, saying that under her, "Pawtucket has made more progress on that than it has in the last 30 years."

She had served as a deputy superintendent from 2000 to 2001; as an assistant superintendent from 1993 to 2000; as principal of the Curvin-McCabe School from 1984 to 1989; as a teacher in the city's elementary gifted program from 1982 to 1984; and as a sixth-grade teacher at the Agnes E. Little School, where she began her career with the city's schools in 1969.

"She was gifted, very gifted in the classroom," recalled retired School Committeeman Jon M. Anderson, who had been a student of Ms. Walsh's in the 1970's. He added, the district had thrived because of her administrative skills. "She brings out the best in people." At Providence College, she returned to the classroom, working with undergraduates and graduate students, and helped to oversee the student teaching program.

In October of 2004, after a long battle, Jackie Walsh succumbed to cancer. She left behind a legacy of caring, kindness and concern for others as well as a strong desire to see her students, parents and teachers excel and thrive. She truly was "one in a million." This school is dedicated in her loving memory. Jackie was a gifted educator, dedicated administrator and outstanding human being. She was a loving, caring person whose selfless spirit profoundly influenced all who knew her.