Jessica Foley

First, I’d like to thank my principal & assistant principal, Laura McGee and Jackie Staggs, for their guidance and belief in my skills. From the bottom of my heart, I’d also like to thank all my collegues and friends at Cesar Chavez because without their support, honest conversations, and guidance, I would not be the teacher I am. Lastly, my third-grade team is filled with rockstars, and I am forever grateful to work with such powerful women and educators. Teaching takes a village not only with the scholars but also among the staff. They are my village. None of this would be possible without them.

I often joke that I did not choose to teach, teaching chose me, and it’s true. Growing up, I pretended to be a teacher to my siblings and thought that was my path for a while. However, life events changed those plans, and I thought teaching was no longer in my cards. Before August 2018, I worked in the corporate world in various fields. While working at a drug and alcohol outpatient facility, I decided to return to the University of Oklahoma to continue my education. However, after obtaining a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Human Relations, I was unsure about my next adventure. 

Then an old friend at Cesar Chavez reached out and asked if I would be interested in teaching at her school. She remembered a conversation we had over ten years ago about my past dreams and plans. I met with the third-grade team and administration at CCES and realized this was the right place for me. Having no formal education background was intimidating, but my Sociological and Human Relations background and my mental health experience gave me the foundation I needed. Also, having a solid set of educators that I was able to turn to make this the right choice. If it had not been for my dear friend and her partner believing in me, keeping me humble, and encouraging me to think outside of the box, I would not be where I am today. If there is one thing I learned early on – find your educational fairy godparents and absorb all the wisdom they have to share. 

I firmly believe that children will change the world, and working with them has the most significant impact on society. I also think that STEAM education is a powerful way to get students interested in all subjects. For example, if students can work on science lessons and experiments, they will want to read to learn more about the reactions and outcomes. By incorporating science daily, I firmly believe that reading and math scores will increase because we allow the students to learn organically and in hands-on ways. This year has been exciting because more female students are interested in STEAM, and I am even working with our school’s Girl Scout troop to help them earn their technology badges for the first time!

Teaching scholars about community involvement and cultivating relationships is another area that is dear to my heart. Our school participates in the Oklahoma City Memorial Kid’s race in honor of my mother, MSGT. Victoria Sohn from the US Army Recruiting Battalion. This event is important to me and having the support of my school and scholars fills my heart. I could not imagine working anywhere other than OKCPS, more specifically Cesar Chavez Elementary school, and I genuinely appreciate the support and encouragement from everyone.