started teaching in middle school, I realized that they are MY people! Middle school is such a challenging time, and even though I can’t make things better for students, I am the physical evidence that you can sur- vive and thrive. I’m called to serve them with kindness and compassion as they go through this strange time of being stuck between being a little kid and a young adult. Tell me the importance of students learning Family and Consumer Science (FACS). May: FACS isn’t just about cooking and sewing anymore; instead it’s about all the life skills they will need when they’re out on their own. Each grade level has different units to cov- er. In sixth grade, they learn how to do laundry and remove stains, how to plan nutritious family meals, and self-care options. Seventh graders have financial literacy, where we discuss credit scores, credit cards, and debit cards, and they go through an entire activity where they have to find out how much everything costs when they’re on their own. Eighth graders learn how to fill out a job application, write a cover letter and resume, and practice taking the GED tests and the CO driver’s test. Child development and human growth is the highlight for many eighth grad- ers as they go through the cost of a six-page list of needs for a baby’s first year, followed by each student mak- ing a baby out of two pairs of pant- yhose and a five-pound bag of rice. They dress them up and then carry them around properly for two weeks, 24/7. All students practice self-care and cooking/cleaning as well. This is a priceless class for all students! What is your teaching style, and why is it effective? May: I call my style “Warm De- mander,” because I fiercely love my students, but I hold them to a high level in class and won’t let them go
By CP Q&A with Teacher of the Year Jessica May
2024 Teacher of the Year Jessica May is currently teaching in the Thompson School District, the same district she attended kindergarten through twelfth grade. May is a fan of reading, loves watching football, singing, drinking Pepsi on ice, giving mom hugs, and making people laugh. Her passion for fighting injustice and pouring her heart and soul into children who are struggling in school is admirable. Outside the classroom,
she’s a wife and a hands-on mom of four sons. What made you want to become a middle school teacher? Jessica May: I actually never want- ed to be a middle school teacher. I earned my elementary teaching degree at UNC, but since sixth grade was in middle school, I was con- vinced to apply for a social studies position by one of my former teach- ers who still worked there. Once I
20 Education Guide | 2024
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