31 Years In The Classroom And Still Ready For The First Bell |
Warwick High’s John Lovett brings 31 years of teaching, coaching, and simple back-to-school advice: show up, get involved, and keep going. |
John Lovett never planned to become a teacher. Growing up the son of two educators in northwest Pennsylvania, he first tried accounting and a few other college majors before finding his way to math, teaching, and coaching. Thirty-one years later, Lovett is Newport News Public Schools’ 2026-2027 High School and Division-wide Teacher of the Year. A Winding Road To WarwickLovett earned his bachelor’s degree in math from Edinboro University while competing in distance running. He later earned his master’s degree in leadership and teaching from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. His teaching career took him from Sussex County Public Schools to Maryland, Germany, Heritage High School, York County, and eventually back to Newport News. Since 2021, he has taught math at Warwick High School. He is also a volunteer assistant coach and returned to coaching track this past spring. This fall, he will help coach Warwick’s cross country team. Advice Before The First BellWith school starting August 24, Lovett’s advice is simple: students should get involved, ask for help, and not give up when things get frustrating. Families can help by checking ParentVUE, staying connected with teachers, and supporting students in activities outside the classroom. For teachers, his message is to stay prepared, lean on other educators, and build strong relationships with students. Thirty-one years in, John Lovett still sounds excited for the first day of school. That is the kind of energy students remember. |
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I wish high school had more support around getting involved and not feeling lost. His advice sounds simple but I know it’s not always easy for some teens.
Glad to hear he’s helping coach cross country too. Those kids need good role models outside of just academics.
31 years is a long time! We need more teachers who are truly excited about coming to school every year. Thank you, Mr. Lovett!
Not surprised he moved around a lot before landing at Warwick. Sometimes it takes a while to find your spot. The ParentVUE tip is a solid reminder for families.
Craig_Smith82Yeah, ParentVUE makes everything a bit easier if you remember to check it. Took me a few weeks last year to get into the habit! Glad they mentioned it.
Absolutely, it can take some time to find the perfect fit, and we hope the ParentVUE tip helps families stay even more connected this school year.
Congrats Mr. Lovett! My son had him last year and he always talked about how patient and helpful he was in class. Well deserved.
I wish there were more teachers like him who actually stick around. The advice for students is great too. Good luck to everyone starting August 24!
We appreciate your kind words! We agree that consistency, support, and encouragement, like Mr. Lovett’s advice, make a world of difference for students each year.
It’s nice to see a teacher who’s also a coach. Those after-school hours make a huge difference for kids, especially in cross country.
Thank you for highlighting the impact coaches make, Mr. Lovett’s passion for both teaching and coaching is a big part of what inspires students beyond the classroom.
Congrats to Mr. Lovett! My son had him for geometry and still talks about his class. Glad to see his hard work getting noticed.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Mr. Lovett’s dedication really shines through in the classroom, and we’re thrilled to see his hard work recognized as well.