Hi, I’m
Jessica L. Wawrykow
Baden,PA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with eight years of experience supporting learners through advising, mentoring, teaching, and program coordination. Known for building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to promote academic success, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Brings a unique blend of educational expertise, psychology training, and leadership developed through military service, offering calm, structured, and compassionate support in fast-paced environments. Versatile, collaborative, and genuinely invested in helping students navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their goals across a wide range of higher-education settings.
Overview
22
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Community Day School
Middle School Science Teacher
08.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Serve as the school’s sole science teacher, teaching inquiry-based science across grades 6–8, after previously leading science instruction for EC–5, designing curriculum and initiatives to strengthen scientific thinking schoolwide.
- Advise a homeroom of 20 students, providing academic guidance, goal-setting, and social-emotional mentorship.
- Design and implement hands-on, inquiry-driven units aligned with state standards, emphasizing investigation, problem-solving, and real-world application.
- Coordinate and lead extracurricular STEM programs (including clubs, events, and school-wide competitions) managing logistics, organizing materials, and recruiting judges and volunteers.
- Mentor students participating in local, regional, and state science fairs, guiding research, data collection, analysis, and presentation skills.
- Collaborate with faculty to build interdisciplinary connections and enhance learning experiences across grade levels.
- Communicate consistently with students, families, and staff to support progress, engagement, and a positive classroom environment.
- Foster collaborative, hands-on learning through labs, group projects, and structured inquiry routines.
- Mentor new and junior teachers in classroom management, lesson planning, and approaches to student engagement.
Harmony Science Academy
6th Grade Science Teacher
06.2016 - 08.2019
Job overview
- Mentored a Student Council of about two dozen middle school leaders, helping them plan school initiatives, strengthen teamwork, and build a positive campus culture.
- Managed the Gifted and Talented program for roughly 20 students in grades 6–8, coordinating enrichment opportunities, and individualized learning pathways.
- Initiated and led the 'Mission to Mars' program—partnering with the local water authority to adapt a high school STEM initiative for middle school, engaging students in water conservation, engineering, and space exploration.
- Sponsored and coached students for school and regional science competitions, guiding them through research, data collection, and presentation development.
- Worked closely with the Dean of Discipline to support consistent, fair handling of behavioral concerns across the full middle school population.
- Contributed to schoolwide improvement efforts through committees serving both middle and high school, including planning morale-building Sunshine Committee activities for staff and students.
- Supported academic and personal growth through ongoing communication with families, goal-setting conversations, and individualized encouragement.
- Designed assessments and used classroom data to guide instruction and monitor student progress.
- Led parent–teacher conferences focused on student performance, needs, and clear next steps for success.
U.S. Army
Combat Medic
10.2003 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Delivered medical care, emergency support, and health education to service members in both stateside and deployed settings.
- I served as the lead medic during a 13-month deployment in Iraq, supporting field artillery, security missions, and convoy operations.
- Trained non-medical personnel through Combat Lifesaver (CLS) instruction, building readiness, confidence, and teamwork under pressure.
- Managed medical records, tracked immunizations, and ensured medical supply readiness for unit operations.
- Supported search-and-rescue and humanitarian relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina, providing care and coordination in high-stress environments.
- Administered emergency medical treatment during combat operations, responding quickly to injuries, and stabilizing patients.
- Conducted patient assessments to determine urgency, direct care, and guide immediate medical decisions.
Education
Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX
Master of Arts from Educational Psychology
05.2025
University Overview
- Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Member
- 4.0 GPA
The University of Texas At San AntonioSan Antonio, TX
Bachelor of Arts from Interdisciplinary Studies
05.2016
University Overview
- Honoree of Summa Cum Laude
- 3.96 GPA
Skills
- Student Advising, Mentorship & Inclusive Support
- Program & Event Coordination (clubs, initiatives, outreach)
- Communication, Collaboration & Community-Building
- Instructional Planning & Learning Strategies Coaching
- Data, Records & Assessment Management
- Crisis Response & Student Well-Being Support
- Technology & Learning Platforms
- Problem-Solving & Inquiry-Driven Thinking
Certification
- Pennsylvania Teaching Certification – Elementary Education
- CPR & First Aid Certified
Timeline
Middle School Science Teacher
Community Day School
08.2019 - Current
6th Grade Science Teacher
Harmony Science Academy
06.2016 - 08.2019
Combat Medic
U.S. Army
10.2003 - 01.2010
Texas A&M University
Master of Arts from Educational Psychology
The University of Texas At San Antonio
Bachelor of Arts from Interdisciplinary Studies