In her eighth year at J.W. Eater Junior High in Rantoul, Jessica Kocanda is doing the only job she ever wanted to do. The University of Illinois graduate, who teaches sixth-grade reading/language arts, has dreamed of becoming a teacher since she was a small child. That dedication shines through every day.
“Jess consistently goes above and beyond to create an engaging, safe and supporting learning environment,” Principal Heather Jacobs said. “Through innovative teaching methods and a genuine commitment to each student’s success, she inspires a love for learning. Her classroom is a place built on high academic and behavior expectations, challenging students to reach their full potential while nurturing their character and integrity.”
I find my work important because … teachers have the power to make a lasting, positive impact on their students. I can still remember the names of all my teachers and the influence they had on me, whether it was positive or negative. My goal has always been to leave a meaningful, positive impression on every one of my students and to ensure they know I’ll always be in their corner, cheering them on, no matter how much time passes after they leave my classroom.
I became a teacher because … teaching is the only career I’ve ever wanted to pursue. I remember being 4 years old, playing “school” in my garage with neighborhood kids, using old teachers-edition textbooks. I’d assign homework and collect it the next day, and my dad even installed a whiteboard in the garage to make it feel more official. This is the only career path that ever made sense to me, and it’s the one I’ve always been passionate about.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … One of my favorite lessons is when I introduce our informational writing unit. I start by discussing historical events that many students might not be familiar with — things like Emmett Till, the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide and the Zoot Suit Riots. We explore these topics through photos, interviews and discussions, giving students time to research and choose a topic for their paper. It’s amazing to see how engaged students become in these subjects. Watching them become passionate about history and the writing process is incredibly fulfilling.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when … I really pride myself on the relationships I am able to build with my students, so for me, the most fulfilling moments on the job are when my students share their wins, celebrations and progress with me, whether it be inside or outside of the classroom, and I am able to celebrate with them.
I keep students engaged by … I teach middle school, so the key to keeping students engaged is being authentic with them. I make it clear that I won’t waste their time — everything we do in class has purpose and importance. I’ve also found that students are much more engaged when they feel respected as individuals first and as students second. In addition, I set very high expectations for my students. I believe that when you hold students to high standards, they rise to meet them. These high expectations not only drive academic achievement but also foster greater overall engagement in the classroom.
Something else I’m passionate about is … finding balance. Teaching is incredibly fulfilling, but it can also be all-consuming, so I’ve made it a priority to make time for things I enjoy outside of work. Whether it’s taking my dog, Sabrina, for a walk with my fiancé, reading, having movie nights with friends, running, cycling, journaling or cooking — these activities help me recharge. By making time for myself, I’m able to show up as a better teacher.
My favorite teacher and subject to study in school was … My favorite subject was always English! But my favorite teacher was actually my high school psychology teacher, Ms. Lamaster, who taught at Alan B. Shepard High School. She passed away during my first year of teaching, and I still think of her often. She was such an inspiring educator, always showing up for her students with fierce dedication. Her example truly shaped the teacher I strive to be.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … This is a tough question for me because teaching is really the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. But if I weren’t a teacher, I could see myself working in the social-work field, helping others in a meaningful way or perhaps working with animals.
— ANTHONY ZILIS