For Jessica, being a teacher is about preparation, dignity, and making sure no student falls through the cracks. Since beginning her teaching career in 2017, what she values most about teaching is doing “whatever it takes” to ensure her students are ready to graduate.

Jessica teaches anatomy and physiology at Wekiva High School. Over her journey as an educator, she has taught at three different schools and 11 different subjects. She has been recognized as a Teacher of the Month and by the Orange County Public School district for mentoring fellow educators – leadership she has continued as an A Gift for Teaching Teacher Ambassador for the 2025-2026 school year.

A graduate from the University of Central Florida, Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and brings a strong science background to her classroom. Previously planning to pursue pre-med, she was encouraged toward teaching by a professor after they heard her studying with her lab partner in comparative vertebrate anatomy.

Since 2018, Jessica has relied on A Gift for Teaching to keep extra school supplies, hygiene products, and basic necessities available so students can quietly take what they need – no questions asked. From notebooks and pencils to deodorant, bandages, and menstrual products, her “Student Success Station” ensures that lack of resources never becomes a barrier to learning. This resource even extends to students she doesn’t have, but who has heard from others that she can help. Knowing the direct impact of having Pencil Boy Express – The Mobile Free Store come to visit the school community, Jessica champions every opportunity she gets and encourages her fellow educators to shop for free supplies.

Outside of school, Jessica’s world revolves around her 100‑pound dog named Moose. She enjoys crafting, particularly needlework, while listening to audiobooks as a creative way to unwind after busy school days.

How has the ability to shop at A Gift for Teaching helped you personally?  

Money is tight for everyone, but it is still my responsibility to have enough supplies whether or not students and parents are able to provide them.

If A Gift for Teaching permanently closed tomorrow, what would happen?  

 The world (at least mine) would be a sadder place.

What would you like to say to our donors?  

Having consistent access to supplies helps bridge the gap of achievement that a lack of money creates. We know that teachers can, have, and will spend out of their own pocket, but [supporting A Gift for Teaching] means that those resources can be reallocated to personal needs or to specialty items, such as laboratory supplies, that are not provided.

What would you say to fellow teachers about A Gift for Teaching?  

There are multiple ways to shop, and even if you don’t use everything you need, other teachers will.

Support Jessica and teachers like her by becoming a Classroom Hero today. 

A monthly gift means more students walk into school with what they need, and less teachers covering the cost of classroom supplies themselves. Your steady support will create stability, dignity, and hope all year long. 

For less than a dollar a day, our Classroom Heroes show up every month for at least three classrooms each year. You can start your auto-recurring gift with one-click today and pause at any time.