About WHat I have Learned
You love teaching students. You watch the light bulb go on in their heads and, “Yes!” they’ve got it. Something clicked and they understand what you’ve been teaching them.
Those light bulb moments are my favorite part of teaching.
I love seeing students make connections and discover that they can learn.
My passion is teaching.
You know those light bulb moments?
Some students don’t have them very often as they struggle to learn. Maybe math doesn’t click for them as it does for other students. Perhaps they are learning English as a second language, and the vocabulary and sentence structure make it difficult to express their ideas. Maybe no one taught them how to make connections between what they already know and the new learning.
Whatever the reason, all students need opportunities for light bulb moments.
Hi, I’m Jessica
Creator of What I Have Learned
I am a teacher who loves to collaborate with educators from around the world. I started What I Have Learned in 2012 to share my passion for teaching and education. I enjoy scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success.
My passion is making learning accessible to all students through scaffolding and breaking down and building up concepts so students can see the connections. I love figuring out the small components that build up to the big ideas and helping students see it all.
One thing I want all my students to know is that they are capable. Every student can be successful. As teachers, we meet students where they are and move them forward, one step at a time.
The reality is that it’s hard. Teaching is hard work! I create resources and share content to help make teaching just a little bit easier for you so you can discover these light bulb moments with your students. My goal is to empower and encourage you to spark the passion for learning in each student in your classroom.
Whatever the barrier, whether it be behavior or academic, I share what has worked for me so that you can find success with your students.
Are you ready to see some light bulb moments?
Education & Background
I am a teacher. Teaching is the core of what I do. Whether I teach children or adults, I love to share what is in my head. (There’s a ton of stuff in there!) I have been a classroom teacher since 1999. I have taught all elementary grades, K-5, helping me gain a broad perspective on the core concepts students must master to succeed in each grade level. I have also been an instructional coach at the district level and presented professional development for English learners, reading, and math at local universities and organizations.
I have taught at low-income schools my entire career, mainly in rural and suburban low-income areas with high poverty and where families struggle to make ends meet. Seeing light bulb moments during those times was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience.
I hold a B.A. in Literature, a California Elementary Teaching Credential with a CLAD certification, and a Masters in Educational Leadership with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.
What I Have Learned focuses on classroom management, reading and mathematics instruction, and academic language skills for K-5 classrooms. I hope the ideas here enrich your content, engage your learners, and inspire your teaching.
Are you ready to discover how to help your students love learning?
Watch a video to learn What I Have Learned.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this and get to know me better. Grab a cup of coffee, come for a visit, and see What I Have Learned.
