Class of 2020 Bellefonte alumni, Miss Jessica Shearer, has recently returned to the district, but not in the way you might think. Substituting for beloved faculty member, math teacher Mr. Jonathan Virgilio, Miss Shearer has seemingly impacted hundreds of students. 

Over the course of her career, Miss Shearer has accumulated numerous awards pertaining to her academic prowess. Miss Shearer is an exceptional substitute teacher who is known for her passion for academics and her unique ability to motivate students. Along with these character traits, she possesses the ability to spark interest within students and form strong connections to the school community.

Miss Shearer’s passion for learning began at an early age. Her background enabled her to excel in both the science as well as math-related fields. After a successful college career, Miss Shearer began working within the district in which she grew up. 

“Throughout college I learned the importance of collaboration and exploration. After graduation and some incredible timing, I returned to Bellefonte as a long-term sub covering multiple teacher’s leaves. It has been very rewarding to give back to the school that has had such an impact on me,” Miss Shearer said.

In transition from her college days, Miss Shearer’s enthusiasm for her subject matter is likely one of the leading reasons she has become such an incredible teacher. 

“Miss Shearer has so many great qualities about her. In addition to her compassion, Miss Shearer also showcases her creativity with how she engages her students in her math lessons. She uses various ways for her kids to interact with the math content that she teaches,” co-teacher Mrs. Jessica Baughman said.

What sets Miss Shearer apart from many of the other part time substitute teachers is her personalized approach to education. Whether it’s the effort she puts into helping students complete a multi step problem, or the understanding of a student’s personal life and how it could interfere with schoolwork, Miss Shearer constantly strives to achieve student’s goals no matter the length she may have to go in order to reach the finish line. In doing so, she has weaved her way into the hearts and minds of many students as well as faculty members here at Bellefonte. 

“Miss Shearer has a way of connecting with her students which really makes each of her students feel valued and heard. I always see her checking in with her students on how things are going, how their weekends were, and I see her go above and beyond to show them how much she cares,” Mrs. Baughman said.

Miss Shearer is an incredibly well-liked faculty member, and it is clear that she has already made such a huge impact in such a short time here at Bellefonte.