Chris Jesse, Bunger Middle School

Position: Extended Core - Special Education

Years Teaching: 28

Hobbies: gardening, growing flowers, taking care of animals, and spending time with my family

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Seeing students succeed where they didn't believe they could. Helping them to believe in themself. Working with a great team that sees greatness in every student and does their part to help each student excel.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? Balancing what needs to be done with what has to be done. There never seems to be enough time to do all that I would like to do.

Best tip for new teachers: Take care of yourself, give yourself grace, don't judge yourself too harshly. Every day or week, look for something you did well and something you would like to improve. Look to others for support and suggestions. You are doing better than you believe!

Best tip for career teachers: You are making a positive difference in our most valuable resource, kids! Value your time in and out of school and take care of yourself. Keep learning new ways to best serve students.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Everyone has skills they are good at and skills they could improve. Share your strengths. Work hard, stay focused, and let others help you improve your weaknesses. School staff care and want to help you be successful and happy.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? I feel truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. This is an opportunity for me to thank all of the wonderful paraprofessionals, teachers, parents, students, office staff, custodians, and administrators who have blessed my teaching journey. They have helped me more than they know, and I pray that I have helped them in some way also. I thank my parents for encouraging me to pursue my dreams while continuing to help others. Thank you to my family for giving me grace when I work late or bring work home. All of you have made this honor possible, and I am grateful for you all!