Almost two months into the new school year, your first impression of Jennifer Chernisky might be as the administrator handing out tardy passes at the door each morning. But who is she?
Chernisky’s journey into education started with a unique childhood experience: being “principal for a day” at her old elementary school, an opportunity that inspired her year after year.
However, her true path to teaching began in college, where she took on a job as a teaching assistant for the Italian program. A way to make some extra money in college turned out to be her future job.
During her winter break, she got a real taste of teaching when a teacher she knew went on maternity leave. She stepped into teaching for some time, and after that, she was determined. Two days after graduating college, she returned to the classroom and never looked back.
Chernisky spent several years teaching at Melrose High before searching for new growth opportunities. While she enjoyed her time there, she felt that her potential for leadership and growth was limited, as another teacher in the department had similar expertise. This led her to start searching for a school where she could take on more leadership skills.
After a year and a half of searching, she interviewed at HHS and felt confident after leaving the building.
“I can do this. It’s a population I know,” she said. HHS offered her the chance to bring her skills and passions to a new environment, and she couldn’t refuse.
While having many things in common, such as a similar student population and schedule, every school has its own distinct personality. The student population at Melrose is between 900 and 1,100, so when she transferred to HHS, it all felt natural.
Although she wasn’t sure education was the path she would take, her love for the Italian language became a guiding force. After studying abroad in Italy for six months, she dreamed of returning to Italy and working for the consulate or an embassy. Life had other plans for her; she found herself teaching Italian and two Spanish sections for several years.
She was also accepted into the prestigious Middlebury College Language Program, one of the world’s most elite language immersion programs. Then, life took a turn when her father was diagnosed with cancer; she made the decision not to leave home for the two-year program.
Despite those challenges, her connection to Italy has remained strong. Every two years she visits the country she once hoped to call home. She loves everything about Italian culture, from the lifestyle to the educational system, where students begin to focus on their future careers at a much younger age than in the U.S.
When asked what she wants students to know about her, Chernisky emphasizes fairness, compassion, and the importance of the present moment.
“I care about what happened before, but I care more about what’s happening right now. Every day is a fresh start. Onward, forward—how are we turning this page?”
She believes in communication and encourages her students to talk things out, understanding that not everyone processes what is spoken to them. Her approach is built on believing people can always improve and change.
She also doesn’t take herself too seriously, sharing that she was a high schooler, she was often late as a student, and even had her pager confiscated multiple times. This relatable mindset helps her connect with students who may struggle with similar issues. She tries to offer understanding and a fresh start to those who need it.
“The rules are there for a reason,” she said.
At Melrose, Cherniskiy’s involvement with the Special Olympics is a point of pride for her. Her love for the organization is deeply personal, and she fondly recalls her participation at Melrose in basketball, though she wishes more attention was given beyond just track and field. The inclusivity that Special Olympics promotes is something she strongly supports, as it gives students with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine.
When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys a balance of relaxation and staying active.
“I love a nap,” she said.
She also shared that she works out every morning at 4 a.m., and even if it doesn’t make her happy in the moment, she appreciates the overall benefits. Her weekends are often dedicated to college football, especially Ohio State games, due to her partner attending the university. Saturdays are structured around game day, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
She also loves reading, listening to podcasts, and binge-watching TV shows—currently obsessed with “Only Murders in the Building.” Recently, she’s taken up golf, thanks to some encouragement from current staff members at HHS. Though she jokes that she’s just there for fun, her competitive side wants to improve every time she takes a swing.
