As we kick off a new year, we’re so excited to see what 2024 has in store for all of us! One thing is for sure, with our incredible staff leading the way, we know it will be a great year for everyone at Wolf! This month, as we continue to introduce you to new members of the Wolf staff, we’re showcasing Jessica Blessing, our new art teacher. Read all about Jessica in the We Are Wolf interview below.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background before coming to Wolf?

Sure! I spent my undergraduate years learning about all kinds of art and art history, with a focus on photography. I earned my Masters in Art in Teaching at RISD after that. I’ve had a lot of fun teaching jobs before landing here at Wolf, including at a few different public schools, an after-school program with teens, and even a homeschool cooperative. 

2. What made you interested in working with Complex Learners?

While working in Worcester, I was invited to participate in a growing cohort of educators who work to implement a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework in classrooms and the state curriculum. It became an addition to my teaching practice that I loved, and a philosophy to live by. All students are learners, and UDL helps to identify barriers to learning and addresses these things in the lesson planning, learning environment, and everything else that affects the learner. Education simply isn’t one size fits all! Working in a setting that supports and upholds this teaching mindset has been a goal ever since. 

3. What is the benefit of art for Complex Learners?

I could probably type an essay to answer this question, truthfully! To summarize: Practicing art allows for each individual student to explore themselves and their relationship to the world around them in the way that is best suited to them. Everyone belongs when everyone can create and express themselves in some form. There is a freedom and sense of expansiveness that exists in the art classroom that is unique to the creative field, where you’re only “wrong” if you’re being unsafe/unkind. The creative arts welcomes thinkers who exist outside of boxes, who follow their own pathways of understanding, and who question and wonder about what could be next. Complex Learners are behind many creative and artistic advancements that have impacted and innovated society throughout all of human history! 

4. What is your favorite part of your job here at Wolf?

I absolutely love the flexibility. I love what an amazing example the adults in the building set all day, every day, of being open-minded, kind, adaptable, and regulated! It’s inspiring as a teacher and just a human. The students also demonstrate and ask for flexibility to find routes to personal and collective successes and have the space to do so, inspiring me to apply the same mentality in my personal life. I love that I get to learn about myself and am motivated to grow by the amazing humans who show up to Wolf each day.  

5. How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I spend my free time with nature, exploring the woods and searching for plants I’ve learned about through my herbalism studies (and drawing them!). I love to learn about our nervous system and how we can help to heal ourselves. One of my favorite ways to regulate is to be with my two amazing cats. I’m also taking classes for pottery and bookmaking this month, and am always doodling in my sketchbooks. 

Welcome, Jessica! We are so thrilled to have your creativity, passionate spirit, and encouragement at Wolf. We know we will all learn a lot from you! To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!