Teacher of the Week: Jessica Maloney, Hailey Elementary

As a society, we may forget that teachers are public employees in the vein of firefighters, policemen and politicians. Teachers perform a public service. To become a teacher is a choice to forsake the almighty dollar and instead serve the interests of the general public (that’s you and me). So it’s worthwhile to recognize this sacrifice and acknowledge teachers for the heroes they are--heroes in the everyday war of attrition we wage against ignorance and apathy. In this weekly series, Woodlands Online features one Woodlands area educator for his or her outstanding contributions to our children’s development.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Jessica Maloney is a 1st grade teacher at Hailey Elementary in CISD where she teaches reading, math, science and social studies. Originally from the Spring area, Maloney graduated from Klein high school and went on to attend Baylor University. After moving back to Houston, Maloney took her education to another level when she obtained a master’s degree from the University of Houston.

This is Maloney’s 11th year of teaching and her 8th year at Hailey Elementary. Ever since she was a child, teaching as a career was always something that Maloney thought about. For a class in 8th grade, Maloney was asked to write a letter to herself that she couldn’t open until she graduated high school. When she did, the letter said that she was going to be a teacher and attend Baylor University: and that is exactly what she did.

“Teaching is what I am meant to do,” said Maloney. “Some days are hard, but I can't actually imagine doing any other job everyday. It's part of who I am.”

Maloney loves to read to her students. Whether it is a chapter book, storybook, or a book about a particular subject, the 1st graders are the most engaged when Maloney is reading to them. They especially love chapter books and always beg to read “just one more chapter.” Maloney hopes that their love for reading will continue long after the 1st grade.

“I hope that they will take with them a love of reading and a desire to keep getting better at it,” said Maloney.

The 1st grade teacher loves seeing progress in her students throughout the year. One little girl in particular has already shown huge improvement. She started the year behind her peers in many areas and could barely read 20 words. Now, she is reading at the same level as the other students.

“She is so sweet and works so hard,” said Maloney. “She will try anything you ask her to do. The best part is just the smile on her face when she realizes she can figure out the words on her own.”

At the end of the school year, Maloney wants her students to take with them a love of reading and a desire to keep improving.

“If I've made their 1st grade year exciting and engaging, then they'll want to keep coming to school and not dread it,” said Maloney. “That sets them up to be more successful in the future.”

Outside of the classroom, Maloney volunteers for an organization called Love Fosters Hope that offers mentoring programs and summer camps for kids and teens that are in foster care. Maloney is also a runner and has participated in both half marathons and marathons.

Jessica Maloney was nominated by our Facebook fan, Elizabeth Leass.