JEROME NORTON
English Teacher 1961 – 1986
Jerry Norton taught English for ten years at Williamstown High before moving to brand new Mount Greylock in 1961. Because he combined wisdom and warmth with his devotion to reading and writing, his love of the written word was contagious. By personalizing poems and stories for his students with wit, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Jerry sparked in many of them a life-long love of literature and theater.

Jerry made students feel intelligent, respected, and needed in class. He related to students beautifully, always encouraging them and capturing their interest. Why did so many students who were turned off to school express a liking for this tweedy, gentlemanly, establishment-type English teacher? Because, as one alumnus remembered, "He really liked kids."

Jerry’s pursuit of academic excellence marked all aspects of his performance as a teacher and as Head of the English Department until his retirement in 1986. He created a brilliantly successful Advanced Placement English course, developed effective reading and writing assignments at all grades levels, and recruited teachers who believed, as he did, in balancing academic rigor and what he called "the humanizing potential of our subject."

Jerry expected much of his staff and students, but, as one former teacher recalls, the English office was one of the warmest, friendliest places in the whole school.