First-grade teacher Jessica Heidelberg has inspired learning among both students and fellow teachers at Harcourt Elementary School in Indianapolis. A bi-literacy teacher for the district, Ms. Heidelberg spends half her time teaching in the classroom and the other half as a literacy coach for other teachers. In the classroom, she differentiates instruction to meet individual student needs and integrates technology into her lessons. Her students typically score higher than students in other classrooms, particularly in English/language arts and math. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Heidelberg has presented her teaching strategies to colleagues at the school, district and state levels, and has mentored several new and student teachers. She is also the building-based staff development chair and has earned National Board Certification. She traveled to Australia to study firsthand that country's First Steps program for teaching and learning, and has since implemented it in her school. There are many steps through which this talented educator has guided students and teachers on the path toward academic success.
