Local educator named Riverside County middle school teacher of the year

Jessica Pack, 30, a sixth grade teacher at James Workman Middle School in Cathedral City was brought to tears on Wednesday when she learned she had been named the Riverside County Middle School teacher of the year. School administrators interrupted her class to present her with the award.

“There’s 18,000 teachers in Riverside and 23 districts, I certainly by no means thought that I would actually get this recognition, I appreciate it,” said Pack. “I think there are amazing teachers all over the county, I just happen to be one of them.”

That may be the case, but it’s no coincidence Pack is being recognized by the county for her work in the classroom teaching sixth graders English, social studies and video production.

“I think it’s a collection of her ability to connect with students to motivate them, to set high expectations and that the students are striving with all their heart to achieve that,” said Kenneth Young, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools.

Pack is one of four educators named teacher of the year by the Riverside County Office of Education.