Jessica Cade has found success in more than one setting. An ELA and social studies teacher at West Pine Middle School, Jessica also serves as head coach of the school’s volleyball team. In her fourth year of teaching – all spent at West Pine – she’s been involved with the volleyball program for three years.
“I’ve been the head coach for two years,” Jessica, an Ohio native, said. “I was an assistant for one year.”
She’s been teaching ELA every year, and social studies for three, to those in eighth grade. Part of a military family, Jessica spent eight years in the U.S. Air Force after high school. Serving as a substitute teacher brought the realization that the academic environment felt right.
“I started subbing. I found I really enjoyed being in the classroom,” Jessica said. “Teaching kind of found me.”
The holder of a teaching certificate from Barton College, Jessica also attended Fayetteville Technical Community College and the University of Northwestern Ohio.
Located in Wilson, N.C., Barton College is a private, four-year institution.
In her role as a teacher, inspiration comes when kids start making sense of material covered.
“When I see the students connect to what we talk about – it motivates me to want to keep teaching,” Jessica informed.
For her social studies classes, history of the United States, with time spent covering North Carolina’s contributions to the nation, is the focus.
While students aren’t likely to complain about Jessica’s style, she does see a soft spot in one aspect of her approach.
“I can be too lenient,” she said. “We try to work through things. I put myself in their shoes a lot.”
When not coaching volleyball, Jessica’s average day runs from eight to nine hours.
“I get there really early and I leave late,” she said. “In volleyball season, add another two hours.”
Volleyball goes from November 1 well into December, ending right before Christmas break. Sue Gargas serves as an assistant to Jessica. Allison Lammert was a volunteer coach this season. The West Pine team has been formidable with Jessica at the helm.
“We were conference champs two years in a row,” Jessica, a volleyball player in high school, said. “They worked hard.”
When school’s not in session and time permits, Jessica and her family embrace the outdoors.
“I love to camp,” she said. “We’re big campers.”
Another outdoor activity also has a pull.
“I love to float on a river in a canoe,” she said.
One river tops the list when it comes to canoeing.
“My favorite is the Current River in Missouri,” Jessica said. “My husband is from Missouri.”
Also known for fishing and boat racing, the Current River gained partial protection from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, created by the U.S. Congress in 1964.
If you have a teacher you would like to nominate to be showcased in this series, please email [email protected].
Feature photo: Jessica Cade (right). Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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