Students have rallied to save the job of a well-liked mathematics teacher who they say is making a huge difference in their academic lives.

At Wednesday night's School Committee meeting, sophomore Steven Leach presented members with a petition signed by 116 students to keep first-year mathematics teacher Kelsey Stouffer on staff. Leach started the petition after he learned that Stouffer would not be rehired for the coming school year.

In part, the petition reads that Stouffer “can instruct and inspire students who may not otherwise be motivated…in fun, stimulating and informative ways many of us have never experienced.”

Leach said his own grades increased substantially under Stouffer.

“When I first came to Wareham in November, I didn’t understand math,” Leach said. “I talked to Ms. Stouffer on ways for me to improve…and she encouraged me.”

Stouffer was first hired in Wareham schools in 2014 and taught at the Wareham Junior-Senior Cooperative School. She was hired at the high school as a long-term substitute teacher.

While the committee took no action on Leach’s request, members praised the student for his initiative.

“I really admire your courage in taking a stand in something you believe in,” said member Cliff Sylvia. “I think it shows leadership and a tremendous amount of commitment.”

Leach said he and other students would return with more petition signatures at a later meeting.