Get to know our team!
Meet the people (and pets!) behind Surviving in Secondary.
The Surviving in Secondary journey began in the summer of 2019, when Jess was hired as the second teacher in the small high school Emotional Support program where Kasi worked. We hit it off and became a close-knit teaching team, despite the bumps in the road brought on by pandemic teaching, life changes, grad school, and the general ups ands downs that come with the world of special education. After 3 years of working together, we had made the jump from co-workers to close friends, and we were ready to take one more leap by becoming business partners!
Surviving in Secondary launched a Teachers Pay Teachers store in May 2022 with only three products. Since then, we have worked hard to grow by providing high-value, creative, and relevant teaching resources and lesson materials for secondary classrooms. Together, we bring years of teaching experience in almost all secondary subjects, from core academics to electives. Our work is grounded in the belief that secondary teachers deserve resources that are age-appropriate and rigorous while encouraging fun and engagement. We believe in creating resources that meet the needs of all learners AND help secondary teachers breathe a little easier.
Thank you for visiting our little corner of the internet! We're so glad you're here!
Meet Jess!
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Jess has been teaching since 2019, primarily in a high school Emotional Support setting. She has experience in Special Education, English, and Social Studies, as well as electives such as Journalism and Career Readiness. In May 2022, she earned her MSEd in Social Emotional Learning. She has since completed a graduate certificate in Applied Educational Neuroscience and is pursuing an endorsement in Instructional Coaching.
Outside of teaching, Jess loves exploring local coffee shops, reading obsessively, and performing one-woman concerts in the car (especially if Taylor Swift comes on). She also enjoys curling up on the couch with her 3-year-old pup, Cinnamon, every chance she gets!
Meet Kasi!
Co-Owner
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Kasi has been working in the field of education since 2010 and has spent the past eight years focusing on high school special education, primarily Emotional Support. Since 2015, Kasi has worked in alternative education with a concentration on special education, math, science, and elective content. She has her BSEd in English Education 7-12 and a MSEd in Special Education 7-12. Currently, Kasi is pursuing an endorsement in Instructional Coaching.
Beyond the classroom, Kasi is married and has a toddler and two crazy puppies. She enjoys going to the beach, tending to the garden, and curling up by the fireplace with her puppies.
Meet Cinnamon! 🐾
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Clocking in at just 5 lbs, this tiny gal loves to help Jess via snuggles during work sessions. She will let Kasi pet her...if shredded cheese is involved.
Meet Gryffindor! 🐾
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Gryf is the sweetest boy around! He loves to earn treats, play with his sister Hannah, and hang with his humans — especially his little brother!
Meet Hannah! 🐾
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Hannah Banana is a high-energy bundle of fun! When she's not playing with Gryf, she enjoys sneaking onto the couch for cuddles with her people.
