My name is Jessica Ruiz. This is my 13th year teaching and my 5th year at Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School. Prior to TEK, I taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade. I received my undergraduate degree from Clemson University in 2009 and my Master’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University. I am originally from New York, but after graduation, I fell in love with the South and decided to stay for good! Being a New Yorker, I love the Giants, Yankees and Knicks.  My husband, Thomas, and I got married in June of 2017. We have two gorgeous sons named Nico (4 years old) and Evan (18 months) . We have a cat named Piper. Lastly, I am a licensed Zumba instructor and teach a few classes each week. I cannot be more thrilled to have your child in my class to get to know them and their families better. If we all work as a team, this can be the best year ever!