Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Valley Times-News is doing a Q&A with all of the support staff of the year in the Chambers County School System. Today, we are writing about Jessica White, an Auxiliary Pre-K teacher at Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary. We asked her 20 questions, and we included some of our favorite responses below.

Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary named Jessica White as the 2024-2025 Support Staff of the Year winner. White has been at the school for three years, but in education for six years. Before working in schools she worked in daycare. 

White’s husband, Jason, also works for the district in the I.T. department. They have two children, one in third grade and the other in sixth grade.

What inspired you to go into your field? (Or who?)

“My first-grade teacher, Ms. House. She has always been a part of my life and still is as an adult. She has always been a positive and inspiring woman, encouraging me and my children as a teacher and a friend. In high school, my two instructors Maj. McQueen and Sgt. Young, [were] important role models…They helped me stay on track and guided me.”

What community activities are you involved in, even outside of the school system? How long have you been involved in that activity?

“We enjoy going to events around town, [like] craft festivals, STEAM competitions and volunteer[ing].”

What are your career aspirations? 

“Growth and skills.”

If you weren’t in your position, what career field would you be in?

“Criminal Justice.”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise our readers? 

“Cooking and Baking.”

If you could invite a historical figure to dinner, who would you choose and why?

“Thomas Edison–being a big part of history, how electricity is being used and technology has developed.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“Helping a child reach a milestone. Achievement can provide them with happiness and accomplishment.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“Retaining the attention of children.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s support staff of the year? 

“Shocked and grateful.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“Swimming, being outside with family, going to Six Flags [and] going to the beach. I also like to cook, crafting and paint.”

What is a common misconception about your job? 

“That there is a certain painting of how a Pre-K classroom should be, but it has to be adjusted according to the children and their needs.”