My name is Jessica Kim and this will be my second year with West EC as the first grade teacher this school year (2011-2012). This is my fifth year teaching first grade and I had taught in Fairfax County for three years prior to coming to DCPS. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a Minor in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration in Gender, Ethnicity, and Class. I also have a valid teaching license in Virginia for PreK-3 and a DC teaching license for K-12.

I am passionate about teaching in general, but the subject I am most excited about teaching is reading. I love the amount of growth the students exhibit in first grade, especially in reading. I love to see those "ah-ha" moments throughout the year and see the students enjoy learning and school!

I believe in a hands on approach to learning. I believe the best way for students to learn is not for me to lecture them but to help them create their own understanding of information. It is my job this year to help facilitate and foster that type of learning. In order to achieve this, there must be areas of social and emotional development that come throughout the year as well. Being a first grade teacher, is so much more than teaching reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. It's also about how to make friends, how to solve problems, how to work together, etc.

It is my hope and dream for the students this year to enjoy learning and school, to feel secure, and feel successful in their own right. I look forward to a great year working together with you!

Please feel free to reach me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Jessica Kim

First Grade Teacher

West Education Campus