At Choice Schools Associates, we are proud to celebrate educators who bring energy, excellence, and heart to their classrooms every day. This month, we are excited to spotlight Jessica, a fourth-grade teacher at Livingston Classical Academy (LCA) whose passion for learning and commitment to her students make a lasting impact across her campus.

Jessica is in her fifth year of teaching elementary school at LCA. Before stepping into the elementary classroom, she spent ten years in preschool education. During that time, she felt a growing desire to continue her own education, not because she was set on a particular grade level, but because she wanted to become the best educator she could be for her students. When she was placed in a fourth-grade classroom for student teaching, she knew immediately she had found her place.

“You can’t beat this age,” she shared. “They’re still kids. They love to play and laugh, but they’re also starting to observe the world around them and figure out where they fit in. It’s such a special stage.”

Colleagues describe Jessica as energetic and engaging, someone who naturally draws her class together into a healthy and invested learning community. She sets high expectations while ensuring students have the tools and support they need to meet them. One colleague shared, “She excels at building culture, not only in her classroom but across the entire campus.”

Jessica was drawn to LCA because of its commitment to nurturing the whole child. “I wanted a school that focused not only on academics, but on growing students into good citizens,” she explained. “Everything we do ties back to our core virtues. We’re not just teaching content. We’re teaching the person.”

In her classroom, academic rigor and character formation go hand in hand. Whether students are analyzing literature, wrestling through a challenging math concept, or reflecting on perseverance, Jessica consistently connects her lessons to real life. She loves watching her students rise to high expectations, especially as they make the important transition from “little kids” to more mature, confident learners during their fourth-grade year.

Around mid-year, she often sees a shift. “They look around and realize that what once felt impossible is now routine. The growth is incredible. Whether it’s academic progress or social and emotional maturity, you see them step into who they’re becoming.”

Jessica also brings creativity and joy to her teaching. She is known for designing cross-curricular experiences that make learning memorable. After reading Treasure Island, her class celebrates with a pirate-themed day, complete with student-created treasure maps tied to their geography lessons and sea shanties that echo through the halls.These experiences deepen understanding while making literature come alive in tangible ways. She is already planning similar immersive experiences for future literature selections.

Her love for learning is contagious. “I love learning myself,” she said. “I love modeling that curiosity for my students and seeing it spark in them too.”

Beyond her classroom, Jessica is a mentor and encourager to her colleagues. She actively builds relationships across grade levels and values collaboration. Her fourth graders read with first graders each week, strengthening bonds across the school community. A fellow staff member shared, “Jess goes above and beyond, not only for her students but for her colleagues. She is a source of encouragement and camaraderie. She truly wants everyone to succeed.”

One of Jessica’s favorite traditions is having her students memorize and recite Paul Revere’s Ride, a 14-stanza poem that initially feels daunting to her class. At the beginning, students are unsure about their ability to succeed. By the end, every single student stands and recites it with confidence. “I’ve never had a student who couldn’t do it,” she said proudly. “Watching their sense of accomplishment is one of my favorite moments every year.”

Jessica’s impact is clear in the confidence, curiosity, and character of her students, as well as in the culture she helps foster among staff. She is inspired by her students daily, and in turn, inspires everyone around her.

Thank you, Jessica, for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to helping students grow not just academically, but as people. Your passion for learning and heart for your community make you a true champion for your students and your school.