Who is Mrs. Dennes?
My name is Jessica Olivares Dennes, formerly Jessica Marlyn Olivares, a proud member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2009 (WHOOP!). At Texas A&M, I studied Sociology with a minor in Economics. I am very grateful for my college experience because I had many opportunities to travel and live in places like Washingon, D.C., Santa Cruz, CA, and even East Asia. I was also able to be a part of several organizations both as a member and a leader. My proudest accomplishments include starting and leading "The Destino Movement" at Texas A&M, planning the Student Conference on Latino Affairs as the Director of Programs, and being a part of the Academy for Future International Leaders. I came into teaching through Teach for America (RGV 2009 Corps Alum) after graduating in the spring of 2009.
I am currently an 8th grade reading teacher at Manzano Middle School at Brownsville Independent School District. I am also a volleyball coach and a team manager for the Destination Imagination team. The 2012-2013 school year will be my fourth year teaching ELA. I am also certified to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and have attended the following trainings which I have found extremely helpful to my teaching strategies:
1. TALA (Texas Adolescent Literacy Academy)
2. SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol)
3. Pre-AP Academy for Middle School ELA
4. Developing Metacognitive Thinking
5. Expediting Comprehension for English Language Learners
My classroom is dedicated to helping students learn how to prepare for and reach goals that they set for themselves. I also try to focus on reading strategies, teaching readers HOW to read.
I am currently an 8th grade reading teacher at Manzano Middle School at Brownsville Independent School District. I am also a volleyball coach and a team manager for the Destination Imagination team. The 2012-2013 school year will be my fourth year teaching ELA. I am also certified to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and have attended the following trainings which I have found extremely helpful to my teaching strategies:
1. TALA (Texas Adolescent Literacy Academy)
2. SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol)
3. Pre-AP Academy for Middle School ELA
4. Developing Metacognitive Thinking
5. Expediting Comprehension for English Language Learners
My classroom is dedicated to helping students learn how to prepare for and reach goals that they set for themselves. I also try to focus on reading strategies, teaching readers HOW to read.