Jessica Magnuson is a middle school literacy coach at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School in Fargo, North Dakota. Prior to this position, she was a sixth grade science, language arts, and advisory teacher for 15 years. During two of those years, she also taught a section of sixth grade social studies. Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Minnesota State University Moorhead (2004) and a Master’s degree in Teaching with Technology from Valley City State University (2009). She later earned a Middle Level Endorsement from North Dakota State University. She was recently named the 2021 Fargo Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Jessica understands the power of literacy and collaboration. As a literacy coach, she works with teachers to implement effective engagement and literacy strategies in all content areas. Jessica believes in the ability of all students to learn at high levels. She is passionate about educating young adolescents in a way that makes learning interdisciplinary, challenging, exploratory, and relevant. As a sixth grade teacher, Jessica implemented many different project based opportunities for students to learn about Giving Hearts Day and their role as helpers in the community.

Jazmyne Reinke is an English Language Arts and English Learners teacher at Davies High School in Fargo, ND. She also advises the journalism courses and student newspaper in addition to advising for the Pride Club/GSA for her high school. She enjoys seeing her students grow throughout their time in school, and she believes every student has a cause they want to speak up for. She designed the Giving Hearts Day Project based on a previous unit she taught in her English I course. From the original unit, she saw first-hand how student voice and choice led to increased engagement in her classroom while still assessing key skills. She hopes you find the same passion within your students and that this mini-unit offers authentic growth and opportunity for your community of learners.