Jessica R. May

Jessica R. May

Jessica R. May, M. Ed., is a dedicated classroom teacher known for building strong, supportive relationships with students from all backgrounds—including those from generational poverty, at-risk populations, and affluent communities. With a deep understanding of adolescent development and brain research, she tailors her approach to connect with each student on a meaningful level, fostering a learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth. Since 1997, May has taught English, mathematics, science, family and consumer sciences, and social studies in northern Colorado’s Thompson School District, working with both middle and high school students. She is passionate about helping educators build positive student relationships that education often emphasizes but does not always deliver.

She was honored Colorado Teacher of the Year in 2024, as well as District-Level Teacher of the Year three times in seven years. May continuously refines her teaching strategies by using the feedback from her students’ end-of-year surveys, end-of-semester surveys, and peace circles to become a better person and teacher. She also coaches other teachers on classroom management, social-emotional learning lessons, and her biggest passion: making reading relevant across all content areas.

May earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and a master’s degree in education from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

To learn more about Jessica’s work, follow her on Instagram at jessicamay2024coteacherofyear and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-may-58b170301.