My name is Jessica Szymanski. I was raised on a rural farm in Macclesfield, North Carolina, where my parents instilled a strong work ethic in me. I am the mother of a five year old daughter, Ava, and the wife of a retired Marine, Jeramy. Besides being a mother, wife, and a teacher, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with my family outdoors.

I am a 2003 graduate of Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education K-6 and Specific Learning Disabilities K-12. I started my teaching career at Rolesville Elementary School, near Raleigh, North Carolina, where I taught 5th grade Math and Science for 3 years before joining the Graham A. Barden family in 2006, where I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. This is my 17th year teaching and I am looking forward to a productive and successful year in 5th grade. 

​​I was honored to be WITN 7's Teacher of the Week in February 2015 and recognized as the 2017 Teacher of the Year for Graham A. Barden.