Jessica Lander

High School Teacher
Lowell Public Schools

PASSION:

Jessica teaches in the Lowell public school system but has a passion for writing and sharing stories.

IMPACT:

She brings the stories, struggles, and victories of her mostly immigrant students to life in creative and moving fashion. She shares her stories and experiences in a monthly op-ed column for the Globe. She has given a successful TedX Boston talk. She was the editor of ‘Defining Diversity’, an exploration and explanation of the concepts, federal laws, and Supreme Court decisions that have shaped the meaning of diversity and equity in America. She created a cookbook, Tasting History, with her students that shares recipes from their native countries accompanied by stories of their personal journeys. At a time when public education is floundering much of the country Jessica is showing what impassioned advocates can accomplish. She’s both affecting lives as a practicing teacher and policy with her writing and policy work.