Sandy Hook gym teacher taught in Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WHDH) -- A gym teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary is being credited with saving several students by hiding them from the gunman who went on a shooting rampage at the school, killing 20 children and 6 adults.

As the flag flies at half staff in honor of Newtown, Connecticut’s fallen, teachers at a Framingham elementary school are bursting with pride about one of their own.

"She has been an inspiration for all of us," one woman said.

Teachers and parents described gym teacher Jaclyn Lloyd who left the Barbieri School in Framingham one year ago to teach at Sandy Hook.

"Obviously with kids that are really young and you have a lot of kids in one class, in gym at one time. She has a lot of controlling to do and I think she does a good job that way," said Nora Langan, a parent.

She certainly did on Friday when she hid her students in an office during the rampage, then like many others, ushered them to safety.

"That’s Jackie, that was Jackie. She's always protecting the kids and loving them. That was something natural,” said Maria Grassi, a teacher.

She grew up in Framingham where her family still owns Lloyd's Diner and O’Connell’s Pub. But teaching is her passion; Terrance Scott and his 7-year-old know that.

“I know that he had a great time with her at school. She's a great person," Scott said.

Bringing good news at a time when there is sorrow: Lloyd is alive and well and so are the students she was with the day of the shooting.

"It was wonderful to know that she kept her wits about her and handled it very professionally and with her heart -- which does not surprise me," said Grassi.

Lloyd’s friends said her family is in Newtown helping Jaclyn cope in the aftermath.