Faculty Tribute - Jill Mankof

Chemistry has never been my best subject. Coming out of Inquiries in Chemical and Physical Sciences (ICPS) my sophomore year with a basic understanding of how to read the periodic table (frankly all my other chemistry knowledge disappeared over the summer), it’s safe to say Ms. Mankoff had a lot of work to do when I joined her chemistry class. Prior to my taking the class, I had many second thoughts about my decision to retake chemistry in the fall. I had finally made my way through a challenging Spring Term in ICPS: Do I really want to do this again? After spending just one week in Ms. Mankoff’s F Period class, I knew I would have the support needed to take on the challenge. 

Never before have I met a teacher so understanding and patient with her students. When I did not have time to finish my post-lab the previous night, rather than getting upset or deducting points, Ms. Mankoff would take time to help explain each problem to me individually, placing emphasis on understanding over completion. When it’s the end of the day and our class begins to lose focus, she finds a way to patiently bring our attention back without yelling, even contributing jokes of her own to keep the energy up—there is no other teacher on campus who’s day-to-day positivity is as reliable as hers. By celebrating all of the little successes, such as getting just one problem right on a topic we’d been struggling with, it’s clear she genuinely cares about each of us individually, always rooting for us to flourish. 

Thank you, Ms. Mankoff, for always being so considerate and caring even when F Period made it especially difficult to do so. I will always be grateful for your unwavering support and motivation to be a better student and person outside the classroom. I speak for all your students when I say we will miss you so much next year, and we wish you luck wherever you end up!