After nearly 20 years teaching students in second through fourth grade, Mrs. Jessica Dennis, our Mobile Bay Parents Teacher of the Month, just can’t get enough.
“I just finished up my 19th year of teaching and am looking forward to year 20!” Mrs. Dennis said. “I’m grateful every day that I still have a passion for teaching! I almost can’t believe I’ve been teaching this long. My kids are getting older, but I feel like I stay the same age since my students keep me young.”
Mrs. Dennis graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2004 with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. Then, in 2014, she completed a Master’s degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction and is almost finished with a second Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership. One could argue that she loves to learn as much as she loves to teach. Her hope is to one day become an assistant principal of an elementary school.
“Mrs. Dennis is wonderful in every way,” shared Jessica Maxwell, parent to one of Mrs. Dennis’s former students. “My daughter was lucky enough to have her for two amazing years! Mrs. Dennis taught second grade, then third; so the school looped her class.”
Mrs. Dennis currently teaches third grade at Dawes Intermediate School. She shared that her love for reading and writing inspired her to become a teacher. She has been working within the Mobile County School System her entire career.
“I have a strong desire to educate and empower our young people,” she said. “I love the opportunities to make experiences and lessons hands-on and exploratory. When my students can investigate concepts, ask meaningful questions, build on their own knowledge, and make connections to their own lives, I feel like I’ve really hit a home run.“
Mrs. Dennis shared that one of the most rewarding aspects to being a teacher is watching her former students graduate.
“There is a huge reward in seeing your former students graduate from high school and college,” Mrs. Dennis reminisced. “I know that I played a very minor role in the whole of their education, but seeing former students walk their old elementary halls in May fills my heart with pride and my eyes with tears. I love seeing who my students are growing up to become… confident and courageous world changers.”
Jessica Dennis has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 16 years. He’s always been her biggest cheerleader and #1 supporter. Jessica says they have two of the best kids on the planet! Their daughter, Isabella (14), and their son, Grayson (12). In her free time she loves to read and cook for friends and family. As a family, they enjoy camping and going on adventures together!
