Jessica Long, Middle School, Social Studies, Teacher

I am a new educator who owned a small business (Xtreme Dance Academy) for 15 Years, decided to sell my studio and head back to college for my bachelors degree (at 41) as my desire was to teach in a different setting! My years of experience teaching dance, owning a studio, and serving the community provide me insight and perspective that I bring to my classroom. I attended and graduated from UNCG in 2022 Summa Cum Laude with a bachelors in history. I was then awarded a fellowship to attend the MA in History program at UNCG, began that process and realized I truly wanted to be in the classroom. I started my teaching journey at Williams High School teaching Civics (which I LOVE) and American History (my passion). I then shifted to Woodlawn Middle School and completed my teaching licensure through the UNCC Graduate Program where I was awarded Resident Student Teacher of the Year in 2025. When I started this journey in 2018 my goal was to teach in a charter school. I am thrilled to now be part of the Clover Garden family. My desire is to teach children how to think, not what to think! Creating critical thinkers who understand our country's story and realize that knowing who we are (American's) and how this great country came into being are the cornerstone to our Republic! I am also a Civitan and volunteer with Hawfields Civitan by volunteering with projects and heading up events.