When Jessica Wentz was a student at Lincoln Grade School, she likely never imagined that one day she would return to inspire and guide young minds, just as her favorite teachers had once done for her. Today, this first grade teacher is seen as a leader at the school, encouraging and inspiring young learners and fellow educators alike.
Wentz finds ways to make learning fun for her students, hosting “Adjective Runway,” a fashion show during which children dress up and walk the classroom’s red carpet while their peers use adjectives to describe their classmates’ costumes. She also organizes a “Hulk Smash” math game to teach data and graphing, and records books for students to enjoy while on school breaks. Her commitment to education through adventure is yielding results for her students. Last year, her students’ reading proficiency jumped from 45% in the fall to 94% by year’s end.
She pairs her love of teaching with a love of data, using intensive science-based reading training like LETRS to analyze student growth areas, adjust classroom practices and guide colleagues through curriculum decisions to achieve greater academic success for all of Lincoln’s young students. Last year, a new reading fluency routine for students Wentz helped create resulted in significant improvement across the grade level.
Wentz’s commitment to her school goes beyond her classroom. She serves on multiple committees, including the school improvement committee, math curriculum committee, and strategic planning committee. Wentz is also the first grade lead teacher and mentors new teachers. She is a fixture in the community for parents and students alike. She can regularly be found at student performances and school functions in the community. Maintaining a strong relationship with families, she shares daily student highlights and mini-lessons on the SeeSaw app to communicate with parents and provide home support for their children throughout the school year.
Wentz earned her Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Illinois State University in 2011 and Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in 2015.
Press Release: Fantastic First Grade Teacher Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award Surprise in Washington, Illinois
