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Educator Spotlight | Jessica DeClercq

When you walk in Jessica’s classroom, you can tell she’s created community with and among her scholars. This is Jessica’s first year at Lester Prep, and her walls are already covered in artwork from students. Jessica treasures a dinosaur drawing made of many sheets of paper. The student noted that the drawing took him hours to create. 

Jessica beamed, “I love it when my kids bring in art for me to hang on our walls. It makes me feel like they feel comfortable and safe in my classroom!” 

Jessica chose to serve in education because she believes in the fight for equitable education. Her days are brightened by her students and she wants to be a part of educational change.

If Jessica wasn’t an educator, she would love to be a travel blogger. She loves experiencing new places and has already been to 16 countries! 

Jessica grew up in Michigan and attended Michigan State University where she majored in Human Biology and minored in Sociology. Jessica moved to Memphis as a part of Teach for America. She loves being outside and exploring Overton Park or hiking around the Mid-South. Jessica also enjoys the ribs and mozzarella sticks at her favorite Memphis BBQ joint – The Barbeque Shop on Madison Avenue!