The educator behind the study

I’m Jessica Harris, an elementary educator based in Lake County, Florida. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Florida State University and I’m now in the master’s year of FSU’s combined program, with my M.Ed. expected in May 2027.

My classroom preparation spans five clinical placements across four Florida elementary schools, from Kindergarten through 4th grade, including a semester in a Title 1 fourth grade classroom where I built to full-day teaching responsibility. Those rooms taught me what coursework alone can’t: how to build routines young learners can follow, how to lead small groups that meet students where they are, and how to keep a classroom calm, positive, and focused.

Before and during my degree, I worked in fast-paced hospitality roles, from hosting to serving to leading shifts. That work built habits I bring into the classroom every day: clear communication, quick thinking, patience under pressure, and genuine warmth with people of all ages.

Most of all, I care about supporting children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. I want a classroom where every student feels known, and I’m excited to build one.