In education, there are teachers who stand out as true beacons of inspiration. Today, we are proud to spotlight one such individual – Jordan Priestley. She is a Seesaw certified educator and true EdTech superstar whose unconventional path has led her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless students.
Jordan’s Story
Jordans path to education was anything but traditional. Her initial passion was to become a car mechanic, but it was her lifelong love of dancing, and a slight parental push, that turned her towards education. “I really enjoyed teaching dancing, and my mum said, ‘What about this instead?‘” Jordan recalls. “And I went to university and found out that I actually really do enjoy working with children.”
During Jordan’s university studies, she quickly learned that children’s learning has a profound impact on her. School is a joyful place when students are happy, and Jordan discovered how fulfilling that excitement is. She delights in lightbulb moments saying “That is my why, I go home and tell my husband, This child did this today, and it brings me so much joy”.
Jordans curious demeanor and creative mindset shaped her approach to teaching. It is this spirit that led Jordan to initially discover Seesaw. “I remember seeing Seesaw on Twitter and thinking, this is life-changing,” she shares. She immediately began integrating Seesaw into her classroom, and the impact was profound. “My kids loved it!”. When Jordan first began to use Seesaw it was only the drawing and the camera tool. Even these simple tools provided her with everything she needed. “I went to my principal the next year and I was like, ‘Look, we’ve got to use this. This is like life-changing for children.’”
Immediately, Jordan began integrating Seesaw into her classroom, and the impact was profound. “My kids loved it!” she exclaims. The simple drawing and camera tools were all she needed. They provided her with everything she needed to empower her students and showcase their unique voices.
Jordan’s enthusiasm continued to grow to the point where she was even considering getting the original platform’s logo tattooed alongside her existing Google tattoos. “I was committed to getting the Seesaw original logo because I love Seesaw. It is fantastic,” she explains.
Driven by her passion, Jordan became a fierce advocate for Seesaw, championing it to her peers, leaders, and on social media. As her skills in Seesaw grew, so did her commitment to sharing her knowledge. Today you can find hundreds of skillfully crafted lessons available from Jordan in the Seesaw community library. These lessons have been taught by almost a quarter of a million teachers impacting millions of students around the globe.
Through it all, Jordan has never lost sight of the cherished moments that make teaching so rewarding. Whether it’s the handmade drawings and cards from students or the simple joy of witnessing a “lightbulb moment,” these memories continue to fuel her passion and inspire her to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education.
The Impact of Seesaw
Jordan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Seesaw and the educators who embrace it. She is a clear demonstration of how Seesaw empowers teachers to become the best version of themselves, eliciting a passion and connection that lead classrooms down a path of excellence.
In partnership with Seesaw, Jordan was able to unlock new levels of engagement and creativity in her classroom. The intuitive tools of Seesaw made for a perfect match for sparking curiosity and enthusiasm. The skillful creation of her activities have grown leadership skills in her and impacting millions of students.
Jordan’s Seesaw journey is a clear demonstration of how passion can fuel professional growth. She has become a Seesaw Certified Educator, a prestigious designation that recognizes her mastery of the platform and her commitment to empowering fellow teachers. Jordan’s enthusiasm and expertise have made her a sought-after voice in the EdTech community, where she continues to share her insights and inspire others to embrace the power of tools like Seesaw.
To hear more about Jordan’s success, listen to her podcast episode here.
