Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Related Work Experience
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
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Jessica Slessman

Raleigh,NC

Summary

Experienced and passionate educator with a strong background in early childhood and elementary education. Committed to creating inclusive, nurturing classrooms that promote both academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Skilled in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and staff mentoring. Recognized for strong communication, meaningful family partnerships, and a whole-child approach to learning.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Preschool Director

Soapstone Preschool
Raleigh, NC
04.2020 - Current
  • Oversee preschool operations and ensure a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment for children ages 2–5
  • Recruit and mentor teachers through classroom observations, ongoing coaching, and evaluations
  • Lead curriculum planning aligned with NC FELD and developmental milestones
  • Maintain open, effective communication with families and community stakeholders
  • Coordinate staff development to support continuous growth and instructional excellence
  • Employ Conscious Discipline and a play-based, inquiry-driven model focused on kindergarten readiness

Fifth Grade Teacher, Brassfield and Lacy Elementary Schools

Wake County Public Schools
Raleigh, NC
07.2005 - 05.2011
  • Designed engaging, differentiated, and standards-based instruction across all core content areas
  • Utilized progress monitoring and targeted interventions to support academic growth
  • Maintained a positive classroom environment that fostered cooperation, respect, and student ownership of learning
  • Built strong home–school partnerships through consistent communication and collaboration with families
  • Demonstrated leadership as Fifth Grade Team Lead, SST Representative, PLT Lead, and School Improvement Team Member
  • Achieved a proven track record of results: 96% of students met or exceeded EOG expectations in Math and 95% in Reading
  • Consistently rated Above Standard in all formal teacher appraisals
  • Named Teacher of the Year for Brassfield Elementary, 2010–2011

Senior Client Advisor

Dude Solutions
Cary, NC
01.2012 - 09.2015
  • Managed SaaS software implementations for multiple client accounts
  • Conducted virtual and on-site client trainings; led training classes at client conferences
  • Mentored new hires; created and implemented onboarding curriculum
  • Communicated regularly with clients and teams to track and meet project goals

Fourth Grade Teacher, Bodkin Elementary School

Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Annapolis, MD
07.2002 - 06.2005
  • Delivered instruction aligned to Maryland state standards
  • Supported diverse learners through small-group and individualized teaching
  • Served on school committees including Character Development, Human Relations, and PTA Outreach

Education

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) - Elementary Education

Towson University
Towson, MD
05.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Historic Preservation

University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
05.1999

Skills

  • Early Childhood & Elementary Instruction
  • Classroom Management & Behavior Support (Conscious Discipline)
  • Staff Coaching & Professional Development
  • Parent & Family Engagement
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Technology: Google Workspace, ProCare, Microsoft Office, Zoom, Canvas

Related Work Experience

Dude Solutions, Cary, NC
Senior Client Advisor
| January 2012 – September 2015

• Managed SaaS software implementations for multiple client accounts

• Conducted virtual and on-site client trainings; led training classes at client conferences

• Mentored new hires; created and implemented onboarding curriculum

• Communicated regularly with clients and teams to track and meet project goals

Certification

  • NC Standard Professional License – Elementary Education (K–6), Social Studies (6–9), PE/Health (K–12) (Expired - currently taking renewal courses)
  • MD Standard Professional Certificate – Elementary Education (K–6) (Expired)
  • North Carolina Notary Public (2012–2017)

Affiliations

  • Member: NAEYC & NCAEYC
  • Soapstone UMC Preschool Advisory Committee: Chair, Member, and Staff Liaison
  • Soapstone UMC Children’s Council: Chair and Member
  • Vacation Bible School Volunteer
  • Raleigh Galloway Team Lead (Running Organization)

Timeline

Preschool Director

Soapstone Preschool
04.2020 - Current

Senior Client Advisor

Dude Solutions
01.2012 - 09.2015

Fifth Grade Teacher, Brassfield and Lacy Elementary Schools

Wake County Public Schools
07.2005 - 05.2011

Fourth Grade Teacher, Bodkin Elementary School

Anne Arundel County Public Schools
07.2002 - 06.2005

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) - Elementary Education

Towson University

Bachelor of Arts - Historic Preservation

University of Mary Washington