What I Have Learned

Hi, I'm Jessica from What I Have Learned. I taught for 16 years, all grades K-5. I taught upper grades, 3-5 early on in my career. While in the classroom, I coached teachers and presented professional development workshops in math and literacy.

I then was out of the classroom doing professional development and instructional coaching for four years, mainly around literacy and working with English learners.

I missed the students! So, I chose to go back into the classroom, but this time, teaching Kindergarten. I used to joke that I was scared of Kindergarteners! I'm no longer scared of them! I taught kinder for three years, move to a 1/2 combo and taught second grade for the past several years.

Each grade has it's own uniqueness. I have always loved where I was in the moment.

Now I have the opportunity to homeschool our boys, who are currently early elementary age, and spend time creating resources for YOU. It is the best job ever and I am truly grateful that I get to sit down each and every day and impact classrooms across the world with resource and ideas that enhance YOUR instruction.

I teach children how to learn, not just a bunch of isolated skills. I teach each child what he or she needs to meet standards. My goal is to make learning FUN!

I am big on small groups and differentiation. In my imaginary world each child would get just what he needs to take him to the next level and fall in love with learning. In my real world, I do a lot of small group and investigative learning. I love seeing the light bulbs go off and watching students learn to learn.

I am honored to be a part of my students' lives each and every day. I have many special teaching moments that are generally centered around a student overcoming a major challenge in his / her life.

From a fifth grader being pulled out of his home and being put into foster care, then later in the year seeing him shine at science camp. To another fifth grader who's cancer came back from remission while we were at science camp the following year, and having the opportunity to take a couple of her friends to visit her while undergoing treatment at Stanford. There are emotional highs and emotional lows each and every year.

I tend to work in low income schools where I can have a high impact. I love seeing my students overcome and shine despite the challenges in their lives. Teaching is a roller coaster adventure each and every year.

I have a masters in Educational Leadership and Administration . . . although I've decided that I LOVE creating curriculum more than I like being an administrator. My BA is in literature. I love reading and helping my students fall in love with good books!

Blog: What I Have Learned

Facebook Group: What I Have Learned Teaching

Pinterest: What I Have Learned @ Pinterest

Facebook: What I Have Learned @ Facebook Page