TERRIFIC TEACHER | Jessica Dixon

Jessica Dixon– Kaneland John Shields Elementary, Sugar Grove

Jessica Dixon grew up in Sugar Grove. The four J’s: Jessica, husband Jason, son Jake, and daughter Jaycee, live in Plano, and the couple has resided there for the past 10 years.

Jessica has been teaching for 14 years and is currently teaching 2nd grade at John Shields Elementary in Sugar Grove. Before pursuing a teaching degree, she took a class at Waubonsee, to see if it might be the right fit for her. “After being at Waubonsee for 2 years, I still hadn’t decided what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she shares. “I took a class for elementary education and had to complete observation hours.”

Jessica observed Candy Soper’s 1st grade classroom at John Shields and knew this was her calling. “I fell in love with teaching that year,” she enthuses.

While she has many special memories as a teacher, there’s one in particular that stands out. “My favorite memory as a teacher was when I was reading a story called Silver Packages and the boy in the story only got one present for Christmas every year,” she recalls. “I asked my students what would be the one thing they’d ask for if they only received one gift that year, and most responded with things like dolls, video games, etc. But, one boy said if he could have one thing for Christmas that he’d ask for a Bible. He then proceeded to say, ‘A Bible is all anyone needs.’ ” Since that day with her class, Silver Packages is still one of her favorite books to read. “That memory will last a lifetime,” she says. “I was really touched that day!”

FUN FACTS:

1. Favorite assignment to give students? I love to give my second grade students their president report project. They get so excited to learn about the president they choose!

2. What’s your teaching secret weapon? My teaching secret weapon is and will always be sharing my favorite books with students!

3. Favorite children’s book of all time? My favorite children's chapter book of all time is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

4. Favorite teacher saying or inspirational quote? My favorite saying is "keep calm and pretend this is on the lesson plan."

5. Your one must-have item in your desk? My one must-have item is dark chocolate with sea salt!!