This week, we’re showing our #CPSDPride by giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Tillicum Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jesse Larson and fifth grader Eliana Barrera.

Jesse has taught kindergarten at Tillicum for 16 years, and each year, she enjoys seeing the ways her new students will grow. “Kindergarten is an age I just love,” she said. “They’re the best people and eager to learn.”

Jesse enjoys fostering her student’s kind nature while also building the foundations of their education. “They start the year unsure, and then they make so much progress,” she said. “They develop pride in what they learn, and they also take pride in what their peers are accomplishing.” 

In kindergarten, students are learning the basics of many subjects, but Jesse enjoys teaching them about writing the most. “At the beginning of the year, most kids can’t write at all, but by the end, they are writing multiple page stories with illustrations and sharing their writing with the class,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Jesse continues to thrive as an educator each year because of her growth mindset. “I know there’s always new things to learn,” she said. “You can always try things a different way and I’ve had great mentors who instilled a lifelong learning mindset in me.”

Jesse is looking forward to another great year as a Tiger. “These kids are kind, considerate and work hard for their families who are so proud of them,” she said. “I love being here so much.”

Eliana has gone to Tillicum since she was in early learning and feels confident and comfortable at a school she knows so well. “All the teachers here are really nice,” she said. “The students also help me whenever I need. That makes me a better person who wants to help them too.”

Eliana has noticed that fifth grade lessons are a little more challenging, but she isn’t worried because she feels supported in the classroom. “I like my teacher this year because she’s so nice and helpful,” she said. “I don’t like learning online as much and I love that my teacher gives lessons and helps us learn by talking through our subjects.”

Eliana’s favorite subject is reading, and she loves discovering new stories. “I like fiction stories where I can read about made-up worlds,” she said. “I love Addie the Therapy Dog who visits Tillicum each Friday and I got to read to her once. It’s one of my favorite memories.”

Eliana also enjoys science topics like ecology and the food chain. Her helpful spirit, scientific mind and care for animals have led her to dream of becoming a marine biologist. “I think marine life is really cool,” she said. “At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but now I think I’m more interested in learning to swim and exploring the ocean.”

Go Tigers!