Spotlight on iLEAD Online Facilitator Jessica Bailey Weiss

Meet Mrs. Jessica Bailey Weiss, a facilitator who brings her passion for learning to iLEAD Online’s English, video production, journalism, and theatre classes. Having transitioned from in-person teaching to the virtual classroom during the pandemic, Mrs. Weiss found her sweet spot supporting learners in the online environment. Let’s get to know Jessica!

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD Online.

I’ve always been fascinated with how people learn and wanted to be a teacher, though I got my B.A. from UC Berkeley in Film Studies, another passion of mine. I went to Cal Poly, SLO for my English teaching credential, and added two other teaching credentials after. In addition, I received a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education, which was fully online, and that helped me see more of the online world from a learner’s perspective.

I worked for seven-plus years in-person in California between seventh and twelfth grade, and then went online at my last in-person school during the pandemic and found my work sweet spot. I ended up at another virtual school first, and since some of the same people were at both, I was recommended for a position at iLEAD Online for Video Production. Then a full-time position opened up for English, and I made the switch.

What is your role at iLEAD Online? What’s the best part about it? 

I’m a full-time facilitator teaching English (all of our upper-level/advanced courses, 11th and 12th grade, and AP courses), video production, journalism, and theatre.

I love working from home online, getting to focus on just teaching, learning, and generally supporting learners.

What do you LOVE about iLEAD Online? What sets it apart from other schools?

We have amazing curriculum ready for learners to go at their own pace from Day 1. Facilitators/coaches work as a team to support learners, offer one-on-one help, provide extensive feedback to truly help learners grow their skills, and have the time to truly support and personalize learning.

Are you involved in other activities at iLEAD Online?

I advise our Acting Club and am an advisory council member for our National Honor Society.

In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

I think a servant leader is the best kind of leader, as they embody the true meaning of being a leader: serving those they lead. When you are in a position of responsibility, it’s important to serve those under you in a way that supports them and helps them have voice and choice in what they do, since they will be more successful at what they do when they have the freedom to be creative and confidence in their leader that they will be supported.

There are great social-emotional learning activities/opportunities at iLEAD Online. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action (or yourself)?

As an English facilitator, I see many assignments that involve social-emotional learning and allow learners to think deeply about themselves and the world around them. My favorite assignment is in English 11B, where they consider “The World Within and About Us.” I would say at least 90% of submissions I’ve seen have been thoughtful explorations of learners’ inner worlds and the conflicts they are experiencing in their worlds. It’s truly amazing to see. There are some learners who do struggle to hit at that emotional core, but I think assignments like this are helpful steps in their journey. There’s a similar assignment in AP Language and Composition A, where they consider two worlds they find themselves in. I love assignments like this, as they act as a social-emotional journaling exercise, creative writing, and art therapy, as there’s an art component in each.

What does a day in your school life look like?

I always start with emails and messages on Slack since I like to handle those first. It’s a nice way to ease into the day before most of my time is spent grading.

I spend at least two to three hours grading before taking a break. I find it necessary to take a long lunch every day. I get out on a walk and let my brain settle after grading for hours. And my dog Max likes the walks as well.

Then there’s a number of hours of more grading. Within that time, I might add some items to my to-do list as I go, or make tweaks to assignment directions or fix broken links as learners show or tell me through their submissions that something is needed to better support them.

During my time grading, I might check and star my emails or Slack messages for later if they seem time-consuming and leave some of them for the last half hour of the day.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, I have some Zoom meetings to run or attend as well.

There are also times I might be working on a to-do list item, often curriculum/instruction related: creating a graphic organizer, linking new resources, adding models to courses, or adding an option to an assignment, etc.

Please name five fun facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.

1. I am a film buff and know an intense amount of film history.
2. I am a boater, or at least an aspiring boater. I have owned two sailboats, two kayaks, and a sailing dingy. I sold my first boat last year, a 1975 39′ Yorktown sailboat that I bought in 2021, and I have a 1968 Cal Jensenmar 28′ sailboat. I have learned to kayak, row a rowboat, how to tie a boat to the dock and move dock lines, drive a boat, and how to sail generally, but please don’t quiz me on the terminology. I also have my California boater’s card. I’ll admit I mostly use my boats to do wildlife/bird photography from. Owning boats is how I got reacquainted with my now husband who has been a hobby sailor for a great number of years. He has his own boat, so I might sell mine and share his.
3. I have two cats, one orange long-haired named Felix, and one gray tabby named Oscar (really they are my husband’s cats), and one dog, a dachshund named Max who is really mine.
4. I have been a Rotarian since 2011, and have started three school-based Interact Clubs.
5. I have done ballet on and off all my life since I was in second grade.

Whether she’s facilitating a discussion or dreaming of her next sailing trip, Mrs. Jessica Bailey Weiss is leading the way for our learners. We are so grateful she is part of our team at iLEAD Online!

About iLEAD Online:

iLEAD Online is a free public TK-12 school providing personalized online education with flexible schedules, allowing learners to pursue their passions like acting, athletics, and dance, alongside their studies. Founded in 2017, we emphasize individualized and project-based learning, leadership, and social-emotional growth. Learners benefit from technology, arts, and deeper learning, developing collaboration and critical thinking skills through our flexible virtual independent study model. Certified educators and college counselors offer personalized support, including guidance on college applications and financial aid. We also offer NCAA and UC a-g approved courses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadonline.org.

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