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Staff Developer Spotlight

Getting to Know Jessica Mazzone

-What is your go-to coffee order? Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte

  • What do you do in the mornings to prepare to go to a school? I usually prep at night. I pack my bag with all my materials, pens, post-its, etc. I have sure I have a big water and a coffee!

  • What is your favorite part of interaction with teachers in your partner schools? Working with teachers and students is my absolute favorite. Collaborating and learning from each other is the best. 

  • What is your favorite children’s book series and why? I adore Mo Willems. His books are so engaging for readers of all ages.

  • Tell me about a read aloud that you think is particularly beautiful. Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan.

  • What’s your favorite sticky-note color? Anything pastel or neon.

  • When do you do your best lesson/staff development planning? This is a hard one. Usually things come to me in the middle of the night and I frantically write notes on my phone!

  • Favorite office supply/ classroom gadget? Document camera, laminator, label maker- it’s hard to choose!

  • What do you do when you’re not staff developing? Hang with my kids :)

  • What’s your favorite pen? Papermate Flair

  • How do you stay organized? I’m constantly cleaning! I have to start my day with a clean desk.

  • What’s the state of your desk? (organized, messy, etc.) It varies across the day. Before work: pristine. During work: disaster. After work: pristine.

  • If you were to decorate a classroom, what would it look like? It would be covered in work from my students.

  • What does professional development mean to you? Continuous growth, igniting passion, collaboration. 

  • If you could go back in time and join a varsity team in high school, which would it be and why? I would be on my high school Track & Field team again and again. It taught me endless lessons about myself.

  • What is your favorite thing about Lucy Calkins? Her drive.

  • What is one of your hidden talents? I was the Connecticut State Champion in the 200m Dash.

  • What is your dream summer break vacation? Sitting alone by the pool!

  • What makes a “good day” at a school? Any day in a school is a good day. It varies. Connecting with a student, making someone smile, getting a teacher excited to try something new, watching people take risks…it’s all a joy.

  • If you could pass on any wisdom to students, what would you share. Keep being YOU!

Published on May 15, 2024