INSTRUCTOR PROFILE:
I grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Secondary Education. I also went back to university to obtain my TESOL certification, a master’s endorsement in English as a Second Language, and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Development.
I have over ten years of teaching experience in multiple settings: charters, tutoring centers, and public schools. I have taught everything from Honors to Special Ed, as well as online credit recovery courses. I am a grammar and writing nerd, and the majority of my career has focused on ACT/SAT test prep, reading, composition, and grammar concepts.
High expectations, empathy, patience, and building strong meaningful connections with my students are the keys to my success. I want to instill in my students a natural love for learning and push them to constantly seek to better themselves through education in all areas of their lives. I believe that by teaching students to become lifelong learners, I am helping create a more productive and impactful society for our future generations.
My passion in life is travel, and I have even taught abroad in Spain during the 2013-2014 school year. I also enjoy snowboarding and any outdoor activities in my free time, as well as spending as much time with my two dogs as I possibly can. One of my proudest accomplishments is having been awarded “Teacher of the Year” two years in my career. This is an award voted on by students, so to me, it is of the highest of honors to know that my kids find my humor and passion for education to be influential in their lives.
I am so excited to be working for Peak and to offer my services in ACT/SAT test prep, reading, writing, math through geometry, and general homework and executive functioning support.
Testimonial:
“Jessi has been working with our son as he’s transitioned from a struggling middle-schooler to promising high-schooler, and she has been instrumental in this shift. Not only does she assist with helping Evan understand concepts (she’s an extraordinary math tutor), but she also has been a life-saver in working with his executive functioning skills. Our son has struggled with ADHD and anxiety since third grade, and we’ve never had a more perfect setup for his education - for the first time, we’re looking forward to a school year, knowing that Jessi has his back. Thank you!”