Jen Kracoff, Speech Language Pathologist/Department Head

Getting to know Jen Kracoff, from our Speech & Language Department! Jen lives in Natick with her husband, two daughters and just finished her 13th year at LPS!

If you could summarize your teaching philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Kids do well if they can.

What's the most unusual or interesting item on your desk or in your classroom?
I always have a ton of plants on my windowsills. I get wonderful sunlight in my office and plants thrive! I currently have 7, which for a small office, is a lot. They make me so happy!

What's the most heartwarming or touching moment you've experienced as a teacher?
There are so many, and they are often the little moments that matter so much. But very few things can top seeing a student make a social connection, take a learning risk, learn a skill they never thought they’d be able to learn, make progress, reflect on how far they’ve come, etc. 

“Geek out” and tell us something interesting about your field/subject that most people wouldn’t know!
Being an SLP encompasses so many skills that we are actually licensed to work in a ton of different settings with different populations beyond working on language in the school! For example: hospitals, clinics, Early Intervention, nursing homes, rehab facilities, working with NICU babies, fluency disorders, swallowing disorders, feeding therapy, acquired brain injuries, voice disorders, the list goes on and on!

What's the strangest talent or skill you possess?
I can sing the ABCs backwards. My grandma taught my mom when she was little, and my mom taught me when I was little. Now, my 5 year old can do it too!

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Sushi! I would not consider myself an adventurous eater, but I love every single type of sushi and can eat quite a few rolls in one sitting.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Absolutely a cat. Would there be anything better than curling up on the bed or couch where the sun is streaming in and napping all day?!

What's your favorite way to relax and recharge after a busy day at school?
I am often running around with my kids, but my favorite way to relax when I can is to get lost in a good book. I love thrillers and mysteries especially.

Where is the best place you've traveled to and why?
I went to St. Lucia on my honeymoon and it was incredible. It was a perfect mix of relaxing on the beach and doing all sorts of other things - hiking, ziplining, boat cruises, and a cocoa plantation tour!