Bright eyes and a warm smile welcomes every student that enters the classroom without fail. Excitement buzzes throughout the room as students get settled for another wondrous adventure in English. The icon, the legend, the diva herself quiets the class as she prepares the students for their busy day
Jessica Chavez, an English teacher, has impacted countless lives of those who have crossed the threshold of her class with her fun and engaging teaching style. She’s an inspirational figure to so many, but it’s not well known who has influenced her life as much as she has her students.
From a young age, Chavez has had her eyes set on one person. When asked who her biggest role model was growing up, Chavez answered, “Shakira; she’s amazing.” Her love for Shakira continues to this day. She certainly doesn’t hide who her childhood inspiration was.
Chavez is a person that several people want to be more like, from her fashion sense to her optimistic personality. Much like them, she also has people she wishes to be more like. She looks up to her fellow English teachers a great deal. “Mrs. Manson and Mrs. Macha – they’re so nonchalant, incredible teachers, have a great sense of humor, and so passionate about what they do,” she said when prompted with who she wants to be more like.
Chavez’s classroom is a very accepting space created by a truly kindhearted person. Chavez cares about each and every one of her students and strives to make sure everyone feels safe and heard. However, similarly to her students, she believes it’s important that she has a place like that for herself. Thankfully, she very much does. “At home, with my husband,” she said about her newly wedded husband, Richie.
