Colorado Teacher of the Year reflects on experiences and future goals

During a recent episode of the Education Elevated Podcast, Jessica May, the 2024 Colorado Teacher of the Year, shared her reflections on her journey as an educator and the support she has received from the Thompson School District R-2J. May expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had, including attending significant events like the upcoming college football championship game in Atlanta, which will feature participation from ESPN.

May highlighted the importance of her experiences over the past year, emphasizing the value of being surrounded by exceptional educators. She noted that her time as Teacher of the Year has taught her the importance of pacing herself and recognizing that she cannot solve every problem in education. This realization has been shaped by both professional and personal challenges, prompting her to focus on her immediate role within her school community.

In her discussion, May also mentioned her commitment to her students and her desire to continue building connections within the educational network. She is set to release a book in June 2025, which focuses on fostering relationships in secondary education. Looking ahead, May plans to concentrate on her students and the upcoming publication, reinforcing her dedication to education and the community that has supported her throughout her career.