Jessica Downey

About Jessica Downey

Jessica Downey is currently the principal at Towanda Elementary School. She has worked in education for ten years, beginning her career as a 6th-grade teacher before transitioning to 4th grade and eventually moving into educational administration. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, as well as two Master of Arts degrees from Illinois State University—one in Reading and one in Educational Administration.

As a principal, Jessica values the opportunity to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families. She helps lead the Positive Behavior System team at Towanda and focuses on creating systems and opportunities that support each student’s academic and personal success. Jessica is committed to continuous growth and regularly seeks ways to strengthen her effectiveness in instruction, leadership, management, and student behavior support.

During her time in the classroom, Jessica enjoyed mentoring first-year teachers and student teachers. She is passionate about learning and growing as an educator and enjoys working alongside other educators as they continue to develop their practice.

In addition to her work at Towanda Elementary School and The Connecting Link, Jessica lives in the country with her husband, son, and their dog, Bailey. She especially enjoys spending time with her son and family, being outdoors, running, and relaxing with a good book in the backyard.

Strategies for School and Life Success: ADHD Teaching Excellence

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
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