Front of the Class

The Front of the Class podcast brings you real stories from real educators — insightful, inspiring, and sometimes unexpected! Hear from passionate teachers, school leaders, and education experts as they share career journeys, challenges, and game-changing strategies. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to for fresh ideas, motivation, and a community that gets it.

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Front of the Class

Finding Joy in Everything Teachers Are with Jazzmyne Townsend

August 21, 2025 • Moreland University • Season 1 • Episode 28

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"When it’s in you, it’s in you, and you can’t run from it."

That’s what Jazzmyne Townsend’s mom told her as she avoided a career in education to study business administration and marketing. But when Jazzmyne graduated from college during a recession and found work as a paraprofessional, it set her on a 16-year path toward being named the 2025 D.C. Teacher of the Year and a National Teacher of the Year Finalist.

In this episode, Jazzmyne shares how she creates lessons that stick with students by having them build aquariums out of fruit boxes and construct simulations of the Wright brothers’ inventions. Jazzmyne also shares the “why” that sustains her through challenges in this conversation filled with powerful takeaways for new teachers and experienced educators.

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