Ms. Jessica Makona has been named Grade One Elementary School Teacher beginning August 1, 2023. Ms. Jessica Makona was born and raised in The United States. She has taught for thirteen years in the U.S and in China, as a preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and
ESL teacher. This will be her ninth year with first graders. Over the years, Ms. Makona has had
the privilege of being a teacher, tutor, coach, and mentor to children and adults in and out of the
classroom setting. She is passionate about student-centered learning and encouraging all of her
students to see themselves as capable and worthy. She looks forward to getting to know the staff and families of TAS.
Ms. Makona is currently/(will be) holding the following degrees:
● B.A. in English Literature, Teacher Education Concentration – Washington and Lee
University, Virginia, USA
● M.S. (end of 2023) in Early Childhood Education – Northwest Missouri State, Missouri, USA
● Certification in TEFL/TESOL, 120 hrs – Ninja Teacher TEFL Academy

Ms Makona loves the arts! She enjoys singing, watching musicals, writing poetry, dancing, and
reading. She would love to learn how to play the guitar and piano. She also likes going for walks/hikes and trying new food.