Jessica Stoen brings a dynamic, innovative approach to instruction for her second graders at Northern Cass Elementary School. Drawing on her experience as a personalized learning coach, Stoen tailors her teaching strategies to meet each learner’s individual pace and needs, sparking curiosity and confidence in them to thrive. She encourages them to meet high expectations by cultivating a learning center (classroom) environment rooted in whole-brain teaching. Her positive influence is felt well beyond the classroom walls, with former students often returning to visit Stoen before high school graduation. Many credit her early impact for inspiring success in their educational and personal journeys.
Stoen designs collaborative, hands-on lessons that actively engage her learners and build leadership skills. A cornerstone of her instruction is helping to instill in them “Portrait of a Learner” attributes aligned to district goals: accountability, communication, adaptability, learner’s mindset, and leadership. Together, these traits nurture independence in student learning and guide them on a path to future success. In her unit on the water cycle, Stoen partners with local high school students, allowing both groups to share their insights and collaborate in an annual, interactive and highly memorable science day. The day culminates in an energetic song and dance led by the second graders, reinforcing the concepts learned and fostering community across age groups. She also actively participates in House Color, a schoolwide initiative that promotes collaboration and exciting learning opportunities across grade levels.
A respected leader within her school district and broader community, Stoen was instrumental in the district’s transformation to personalized, competency-based learning and regularly invites other colleagues into her classroom to see the practice in action. In this space, staff members are encouraged to exchange best practices and resources for increasing student learning and advancing their professional skills. Further building educator efficacy and morale, Stoen mentors new educators, inspires future educators, participates in professional development opportunities, and presents to fellow colleagues at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She has co-led the personalized competency-based learning team and has participated in the Northern Cass Leadership Academy with North Dakota State University and as the lead evaluator for the ELA curriculum team.
Stoen earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 2010 from Valley City State University and her Master of Education in educational administration in 2017 from North Dakota State University.
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