Newest member joins Paraeducator Board
Mandy Jessee — Principal at Fisher Elementary — is the newest member to join the Paraeducator Board. Mandy brings a wealth of knowledge, professional experience, and a commitment to serving Washington’s educator workforce.
About Mandy
1. Briefly describe your professional background and experience.
I have been in schools my whole life. As the daughter of a teacher it was very natural for me to continue with my career in education. I am beginning my 11th year as a lead elementary principal in my third district. I began my career as a substitute paraeducator, working in a variety of schools and programs while attending evening classes at CWU to get my teaching certification. My career has taken me through a handful of districts of varying size, location, and demographics. From my entry as a substitute paraeducator in the Tacoma School District, to my transition to teaching in the Tumwater and Tenino School Districts, then with the change to leading in the Pioneer, Tumwater and Lynden School Districts; I have had the honor of learning and growing in my craft as I go.
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2. What are you most looking forward to as a member of the PESB Board?
As my career journey continued to progress, I started wondering why our industry doesn't have the variety of alternative pathways to reach our career goals, as other industries do. This wondering directly connects with goal number one in the Paraeducator Board's strategic plan. So, this really highlights my interest in being involved in the work of the Paraeducator Board.
I am excited to learn and grow my craft while also participating in how we grow our profession. Also, I have a high interest in understanding how we can provide better training for staff that work with some of our most vulnerable students, because in the end, the students are my biggest interest. My personal belief is to live a life of service to the young humans of our world.
3. What is one source of inspiration for you? (related to the education sector).
I am often inspired by other educators. Finding shared perspectives with other educators is motivating, and I am especially inspired when educators share perspectives that vary from my own, because that challenges my thinking.
I have been really focused on how we support all learners for some time, and I am enjoying diving into Shelley Moore's work on inclusion and Dr. Katie Novak's work focused on Universal Design.
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