Jessica Downey | Online Learning for Teachers pursuing Continuing Education and Professional Development | The Connecting Link

 

Jessica Downey

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Jessica Downey is currently an assistant principal at Benjamin Elementary School in Normal, IL. She has been working in education for nine years, beginning as a 6th-grade teacher before transitioning to 4th-grade, and now working in educational administration. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Illinois State University and two Master of Arts degrees also from Illinois State; one in Reading and the other in Educational Administration.

As an assistant principal, Jessica has the opportunity to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families.  She helps lead the Positive Behavior System team at her school and focuses on how to help each student be successful both academically and personally. Jessica challenges herself and seeks ways to improve her effectiveness in instruction, management, and behavior. During her time in the classroom, Jessica mentored first-year teachers and student teachers. She is passionate about learning and growing, and wants to work with other educators in continuing this journey.  

In addition to working at Benjamin and The Connecting Link, Jessica lives in the country with her husband and dog, Bailey. She enjoys spending time outside with her family and dog, running, and reading in the backyard.

This course is designed to explore the impact of technology, digital communication, and the ways children and adolescents socialize, learn, and are perceived in the classroom. Participants in this course will learn about the nature of digital devices and the pressure they place on K-12 students, and how they can impede the development of critical life skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and resilience. The effective use of technology and media literacy will be investigated. This course prepares educators by engaging them in thoughtful dialogue and activities that promote 21st-century ideas and understanding of students’ diverse, digital, and global learning needs. [1] Educational research is based on the findings of Riin Seema, Ph.D., Ene Varik-Maasik, Ph.D., Daniele Giansanti, Ph.D., Olusola O. Adesope, Ph.D., and Patricia L. Maarhuis, Ph.D,[2] and the research on artificial intelligence and its impact on student development is based on the findings of Ying Xu, Ph.D., Faith Rogow, Ph.D., Michael Ali, Ph.D., Ryan Nagelhout, Ph.D., Emily Weinstein, Ph.D., and Carrie James, Ph.D. Foundational work in this course will include research on understanding effective practices, student learning strategies, and classroom outcomes. Participants will synthesize these paradigms and develop a new understanding of educators’ roles in the classroom, along with the latest tools, methods, and techniques for cultivating students’ learning and a state-of-the-art teaching approach to meet their educational goals.
Course #: IMF26016
Dates: 09/28/26 - 10/25/26
Categories:

Positive Classroom Management Technology Tools for the Classroom Content-Area Teaching

Format:

Interactive

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts a student's ability to focus, behave, and learn effectively. This course provides a comprehensive and updated overview of ADHD, including its symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and effects on students' academic performance. It also addresses common co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, as noted by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Child Mind Institute. Educators participating in this course will focus on the learning challenges faced by students with ADHD, emphasizing the need for tailored teaching strategies and supportive learning environments. The course highlights the importance of executive function skills for organization and time management, as well as the role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in promoting positive behaviors, as explained by Understood (a leading nonprofit organization committed to empowering tens of millions of people with learning and thinking differences in the United States). Participants will learn about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and educational rights, exploring various treatment options. Finally, this course will address the significance of collaboration between educators and families, alongside strategies to foster motivation, self-advocacy, and essential life skills in students with ADHD, in line with insights from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Course #: IMF26019
Dates: 10/26/26 - 11/22/26
Categories:

Equity & Diversity Instructional Strategies

Format:

Interactive

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