LYNN — It was a packed house at the School Committee meeting Thursday night as parents, students and teachers gathered to speak on recent cuts made and the current budget.
One moment that brought forth thunderous applause was the mention of Lynn Classical teacher Aino Athiainen, whose visa has not been renewed for the 2026 school year.
First to speak was Lynn Classical teacher Zach Johnson, a coworker of Athiainen.
“During my 23 years here at Lynn Public Schools and during my time here as a student, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing educators. Tonight I’m here to lend my support to one of the finest history teachers in the district, Miss Aino Athiainen,” Johnson said. “Miss A, as she is affectionately called by her students, immigrated to the United States and is currently here on a work visa sponsored by Lynn Public Schools.”
Johnson said that Athiainen stood out among all the teachers that he’s coached and developed.
“This year alone, she’s been nominated for both the NCSS Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year Award and for the National History Teacher of the Year Award through the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History,” he said.
Due to her work visa not being renewed, it will expire in February 2026.
“She will be forced to number one leave her students, (and) number two leave her class of 2026 where she’s been the class advisor since their freshman year, right in the midst of them planning for their prom, their graduation,” Johnson said. “She’s going to have to fully uproot her life and move back to Finland. I’m here tonight to request that Lynn Public Schools honor the commitment and dedication that Miss A has shown to the students of Lynn by continuing to support her work visa.”
Johnson then introduced Aino Athiainen, who went to the microphone to speak next.
“I have been a U.S. 1 History teacher at Lynn Classical since January of 2021. On Nov. 18, 2024, I received a letter from the Lynn Public Schools HR Department stating that a decision was made, and I quote from the letter, “to not sponsor H-1B visas any longer for employment purposes moving forward,” Athiainen said.
She spoke on her time at Lynn Classical, being a part of committees and curriculum teams, spearheading the updating of the U.S. 1 History curriculum for multilingual learners, and being the class advisor for 2026. These are just a few of the things Athiainen has accomplished.
“I have found myself at home here at Lynn Classical. I have created incredible friendships and professional opportunities in addition to creating personal connections with my wonderful students,” she said.
The letter she received is the only communication that she has gotten about her visa, and she stated she was not provided the steps she could take to keep her position.
“Financially speaking, there is no logic to these decisions… Hiring and onboarding a new teacher can cost anything between 12 to $25,000 in the state of Massachusetts. On the other hand, renewing an existing H-1B visa for a company with more than 25 employees is around $3,000,” she said.
“As the Lynn Public School website states… We LPS are committed to hiring educators that represent diversity of race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, religion and gender. Candidates from diverse backgrounds with experience in an urban setting are encouraged to apply. Be worthy of your mission statement and show us that your actions match your words,” Athiainen finished.
She was met with thunderous applause from the audience.
Next to speak was the Lynn Classical Class of 2025 President Amanda Hughes.
“I remember my first day at Lynn Classic as a freshman sitting in Miss A’s class. One of the things that sticks out the most to me is how welcome and comfortable I felt in her class that day and every day after that. Miss A is one of the most impactful teachers I’ve had during my time as a Lynn Public Schools student,” Hughes said.
She remembered a time when she was overwhelmed by an assignment in her class and how Athiainen assisted her and guided her through the topic.
“I’ve always admired Miss A for the kindness with which she treats all of her students,” she said. “Denying her place here would directly go against the core values of Lynn Public Schools, embracing diversity and providing places of belonging for all.”
Hughes called Athiainen an integral and irreplaceable part of the Lynn Classical community.
Phil McQueen, Classical teacher and a former member of the Lynnfield School Committee, spoke on behalf of Athiainen, as he himself is an immigrant.
“My story is one I don’t really share that often, but this is a story of an immigrant to the United States 28 years ago. That immigrant was me. I came to America looking for a job. I got quite a lot of job offers. There was one district who would actually sponsor me, and that was the Lynn Public Schools,” McQueen said.
He listed all that he has now done, stating none of it could have happened if the district hadn’t sponsored him.
“My life would be drastically different. I can’t even imagine what it would be like. And the lives of the students that I’ve impacted over the many years I’ve been working at LPS would also be very different,” he said. “So, I’m just imploring you to afford Aino the same privileges, the same courtesy, that I was afforded all those years ago.”
Lynn Classical Junior Amelia Stank also spoke on behalf of Athiainen, calling her a dedicated advisor who has guided them through countless events and fundraisers “with patience and heart.”
“She’s one of the few teachers I have truly learned from. She always helps me when I need her the most and never makes me feel ashamed,” she said.
Stank’s father, Christopher, also spoke during the meeting, showing his support for Athiainen.
“As a parent, I look and I see that tonight started off with an award ceremony for basketball… Yet, here we are tonight looking at what I view as a sad situation where we’re having to stand here and speak on Miss A’s behalf because her work visa is not being renewed,” he said.
Christopher Stank continued that he always sees Athiainen guiding the students and leading them.
