Jessica Hebert

My name is Jessica, but I go by Jess. I'm beyond thrilled to be back at Virginia Chance School as an early preschool teacher. 

 

I graduated from South Park TAPP with a distinguished Child Development and Parenting Studies award. I earned my Child Development Associate Credential in February 2024. My teaching journey began in 2016, working with two-year-olds at a preschool, and I quickly learned that working with young children was the direction I wanted to take my life.

 

When it comes to teaching young children, the time I spend with them and the interactions I witness are so special. From small moments, like when they're giggling with a friend, to big moments, like when they accomplish something they've worked hard on, I feel so lucky to experience the most formative years of their lives. A child's playfulness, innocence, and eagerness to learn about the world around them keeps me inspired.

 

As a teacher, I aim to make my class's learning experience rich, hands-on, inclusive, and, most importantly, safe. It's important to me that I am supportive, kind, patient, and encouraging to every child I work with. All children are different, from their learning styles to their unique cultures, and I want to help the children in my class feel capable in their abilities.

 

Progressive Education proves that young children learn the best through positive interactions with the adults and children around them, especially when they know they are appreciated, supported, and loved. The way teachers and staff communicate with children is extremely important, and I know that kindness and patience are taught best when adults consistently model that behavior. Children must be listened to and taken seriously by their teachers to form strong relationships, which is the foundation of an effective and purposeful learning environment. They should also be given choices so they can learn to be confident in making big decisions on their own, which directly impacts their self-esteem and the way they tackle obstacles in their daily lives.

 

At Chance School, we're fortunate to have such beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, such as the creek, pond, playgrounds, hiking trails, and forests. An environment rich with natural outdoor spaces is essential for children to develop the skills to problem-solve, assess risks, take turns, be creative, and so much more. Caring for the chickens that live on campus allows children to see the value of wildlife even more. It's important to connect children with nature so that they can develop a love for the outdoors and everything in it, leading to our planet's future preservation and protection.

 

I first discovered Chance School when I drove past it one day, and I immediately noticed the beauty and openness of the campus, which made me curious to learn more. I inquired about a teaching position and was welcomed with open arms. When I finally got to step into the building, explore the campus, and meet all the other amazing staff members, I felt like I had been given an exceptional and life-changing opportunity. 

 

I started as a camp counselor for Summer Under the Trees in 2022, which was a huge adventure in itself. After my first summer there, I began my work in two-day-two's and gained an incredible mentor and friend as my co-teacher. She has taught me so much! In Fall 2023, I began my second year as a teacher in the two’s before I went on maternity leave with my baby boy. I made the tough decision to extend my maternity leave until Spring of 2025 when I was able to come back to Chance as a preschool floater/substitute. It felt like I never left.

 

Since my very first day at Chance, I was in awe of every teacher and their expertise in many areas. They inspire me and show me how I want to grow as an educator. I'm so excited to continue my career at Virginia Chance and watch the children I work with grow and accomplish their goals.

 

When I'm not teaching in the two's, I spend time with my partner Michael and our children Sadie, Raegan and baby Collin. We like exploring creeks for little critters, rocks, and fossils, sandy lake beaches, fishing, cookouts, checking out caves, visiting museums, and more. I like to bring my love of bugs and creatures into my work as a teacher, which is perfect at Chance because there are always little critters outside! I also enjoy thrifting, making things, listening to music, watching movies, and finding live nature cameras to watch worldwide.