Excellence In Education

Jess Linden is the district’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (or BCBA).  She works with Barrignton students at all of the schools, from the early childhood learning center through high school. Her colleagues describe her as hard working, detail oriented, and easy to collaborate with.  She is also empathetic and caring in each and every one of her interactions with students. Part of being a BCBA requires being in the presence of significant behaviors that can be unexpected and challenging. She handles each situation with ease, and with care. Students’ safety and integrity are always her priority; she makes sure students feel loved and important. 

Jess’s passion for her work is evident in every interaction she has with students, colleagues, and parents alike. She possesses a remarkable ability to listen attentively to concerns and she brings empathy and understanding to each situation. Jess’s approachability and willingness to collaborate make her an invaluable asset to the district.

One of Jess’s greatest strengths is her depth of knowledge in the field of behavior therapy. Her expertise is evident in her meticulous approach to developing and implementing behavior plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. What truly sets Jess apart is her unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their challenges or abilities.

Jess constantly presents new ideas that are student centered and data driven. She openly communicates with all stakeholders working with her caseload to gather as much information as possible to find out the root sources of frustrations for students. She then works to find new ways to support them in the classroom so they are successful. 

Jess’s flexibility when working with IEP teams is exemplary. She approaches each collaboration with an open mind, readily adapting her strategies to align with the evolving needs of the student and the team. Her cooperative spirit and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the success of her students are truly commendable.

Her ability to communicate with families and navigate difficult topics is another one of her many strengths. All the information she shares is clear, concise and sensitive to the experience families have with their students. All of her information is data-based and organized in a manner that is family friendly paired with solutions to continue leading students toward success. It is obvious in her interactions with families that she is well-respected by and an integral part of the Barrington Community. 

Her positive attitude is another admirable trait. Jess will do whatever is asked of her without complaint. She makes sure that she and the staff she is working with always have the best interest of the students in mind.

We were delighted to present Jess Linden with the 2024 Excellence In Education Award and a $500 check from the Barrington School Foundation. Thank you for your passion, expertise, and genuine commitment to the betterment of our educational community!