Jessica Day
Trenton,IL
Summary
Education and workforce development leader with 15+ years of experience improving educator pipelines, building high-impact academic and training programs, and leading strategic initiatives across K-12, higher education, and workforce systems. Proven record exceeding recruitment goals, securing grant funding, implementing innovative instructional models, and supporting large-scale institutional improvement. Skilled in program development, instructional coaching, digital transformation, and cross-functional leadership.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Program Coordinator
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and launched paraprofessional apprenticeship program to strengthen educator pathways and address workforce shortages.
- Secured grants for virtual reality integration and workforce readiness initiatives, enhancing innovative learning opportunities.
- Directed recruitment efforts that exceeded institutional goals, achieving enrollment 273 percent above target.
- Increased overall program enrollment by approximately 46 percent since beginning tenure.
- Established partnerships with districts and community organizations to expand pipelines for future educators.
Tenured Associate Professor
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL
01.2012 - Current
- Designed and delivered competency-based online and hybrid education courses adhering to professional standards.
- Founded and led Aspiring Educators Club, creating mentorship pathways for future teachers.
- Provided instructional coaching to novice teachers statewide, enhancing curriculum alignment and student engagement.
- Increased teacher retention through evidence-based mentoring and targeted instructional support.
- Developed tools and frameworks for instructional improvement in accordance with state standards.
Virtual Coach and Mentor
Illinois Education Association
Springfield, IL
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Coached new teachers across Illinois through virtual mentoring aligned with state strategic goals and statewide induction frameworks.
- Supported curriculum planning, classroom management, assessment practices, and instructional effectiveness.
- Participated in statewide coaching communities to ensure consistency in mentoring practices.
Career and Technical Educator
Triad High School
Troy, IL
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented a teacher preparation program recognized statewide as a model for future educators.
- Coordinated operations, scheduling, and communication to enhance delivery and participant engagement.
- Conducted evaluations and improvement cycles through data tracking and stakeholder feedback analysis.
- Ensured compliance with state education standards and maintained accurate documentation.
Corporate Training Manager
Corporate Training Center
Springfield, IL
01.2012 - 01.2023
- Designed and coordinated training sessions for adult learners in public and private sectors.
- Aligned training content with state and federal requirements to ensure compliance.
- Managed logistics, materials, and delivery of multi-site training programs.
- Achieved highest satisfaction rate company-wide among training initiatives.
Instructor
O'Fallon Township High School
O'Fallon, IL
01.2009 - 01.2020
- Designed curriculum for 11 Career and Technical Education courses using data-driven instructional methods.
- Directed district-wide digital transformation initiative, achieving 100% compliance within 12 months.
- Expanded community partnerships to increase student engagement and experiential learning opportunities.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Policy Analysis
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12-2019
Bachelor of Science - Workforce Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12-2008
Doctor of Education - Instructional Design And Technology
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas, TXSkills
- Grant writing and program evaluation
- Training facilitation and strategic planning
- Workforce development and learning management
- Educational technology tools and data systems
- Partnership development and program management
Websites
Professional Affiliations And Activities
- AI Steering Committee (SWIC)
- Aspiring Educator Sponsor
- CTE/STEM Illinois State Committee
- Curriculum Committee (SWIC)
- IAI Elementary and Secondary Education Board
- Illinois Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB)
- Higher Learning Commission Committee
- Outcomes Assessment Committee
- Program Review Committee
- Retention, Persistence, and Completion Committee
- Recruitment Policy Action Team
- Teachers LEAD Coalition
Accomplishments
Madison County Career and Technical Education Project of the Year 2023
Teacher of the Month Triad District #2 August 2022
Southwestern Illinois College Outstanding Adjunct Award 2021
Illinois Community College Board Outstanding Adjunct Nominee 2021
MLK Legacy Club Honorary Member Commitment to Diversity Education and Support 2019
MLK Legacy Club Educator Award 2018
Rotary Presidential Award 2013 and 2018
Homerun for Character Award Recipient- 2015
Illinois Federation of Teachers Rising Star- 2013
Rotary Changemaker Award 2012
Teacher of the Month Triad District #2 August 2022
Southwestern Illinois College Outstanding Adjunct Award 2021
Illinois Community College Board Outstanding Adjunct Nominee 2021
MLK Legacy Club Honorary Member Commitment to Diversity Education and Support 2019
MLK Legacy Club Educator Award 2018
Rotary Presidential Award 2013 and 2018
Homerun for Character Award Recipient- 2015
Illinois Federation of Teachers Rising Star- 2013
Rotary Changemaker Award 2012
Timeline
Education Program Coordinator
Southwestern Illinois College
01.2023 - Current
Virtual Coach and Mentor
Illinois Education Association
01.2021 - 01.2023
Career and Technical Educator
Triad High School
01.2020 - 01.2023
Tenured Associate Professor
Southwestern Illinois College
01.2012 - Current
Corporate Training Manager
Corporate Training Center
01.2012 - 01.2023
Instructor
O'Fallon Township High School
01.2009 - 01.2020
Master of Public Administration - Policy Analysis
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Workforce Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Doctor of Education - Instructional Design And Technology
Sam Houston State University