Meet Jessica Pack

Jessica Pack is a California Teacher of the Year, CUE Outstanding Educator, and author who has been teaching middle school for 16 years. She regularly presents at national conferences and her book, Moviemaking in the Classroom, will be released in August 2021 by ISTE. Jessica loves working in Palm Springs Unified, where she serves as the ASB Advisor and Activities Director in addition to teaching 6th grade.

​Jessica has a Master's degree in Educational Technology and spent more than a decade working as a teacher-consultant for DIGICOM Leaning, a non-profit aimed at promoting and supporting digital storytelling in Southern California classrooms. Currently, Jessica co-hosts a podcast called Storytelling Saves the World, available on iTunes and SoundCloud. She can be reached on Twitter or Instagram @Packwoman208. 

2022 Speaking Engagements

  • ADK, Palm Springs Chapter, "Lifting Student Voices" on February 7th
  • CUE22 (Palm Springs), "Storytelling for All: Equity and Social Emotional Learning Through Moviemaking" 
  • ISTE22 (New Orleans), "Storytelling for All: Equity and Social Emotional Learning Through Moviemaking" on June 27, 5:00-6:00PM
  • ISTE22 (New Orleans), "Contents Under Pressure: Using Digital Storytelling and SODAS Frame to Address SEL" on June 27, 2:00-3:00PM 

2021 Speaking Engagements

  • CUE21, "Storytelling Saves the World" on March 23, at 5:00PM PST
  • CUE21, "Rethink Lesson Planning with Moviemaking in Mind' on March 27 at 4:00PM PST
  • ISTELive 21, "Learning Unleashed Live: ISTE Authors on SEL and Equity" on June 27 at 9:20AM PST
  • ISTELive 21, Digital Storytelling Playground, June 27 at 1:00PM PST
  • ISTELive 21, "Storytelling Saves the World" on June 28 at 1:15PM PST
  • ISTELive 21, ISTE Central: "Creating Artifacts of Learning Through Moviemaking" on June 28 at 2:15PM PST
  • ISTELive 21, "Film Festival in a Box" on June 30 at 9:30AM PST
  • Arizona Department of Education, "Lifting Student Voices" on July 15
  • ISTE CCL21, "Storytelling Through Moviemaking: Lifting Student Voices" on October 16th at 10:00AM PST
  • ISTE CCL21, Digital Storytelling Playground, 3 Sessions, on October 16th at 12:30PM PST.
  • ​California Department of Education, STEAM Symposium, on October 21 at 4:30PM PST. 

Read Jessica's Book, "Moviemaking in the Classroom: Lifting Student Voices Through Digital Storytelling." 

My book is now available for purchase from ISTE Books...

​"At its core, digital storytelling is about making connections between people on a human level... students who are dedicated to a particular issue can change opinions and reframe existing narratives to build empathy and understanding. This happens on a viewer-by-viewer level, one heart and mind at a time. For those who might share a similar outlook, their stories offer hope and reassurance that others understand. Projects such as these let us know that we are not alone, and sometimes one voice can represent many. For those whose outlook differs, their stories offer an entry point into a larger conversation, as well as a bridge that allows viewers to glimpse the faces of the individuals behind the issues."

​- excerpt from Moviemaking in the Classroom
Moviemaking has been a pillar of my instruction for fourteen years, and I am thrilled to be able to share my journey as a teacher-storyteller. Digital storytelling through moviemaking has had a huge impact on my classroom. It was a joy to write this book because lifting student voices is my passion. Whether you are just embarking on your journey or are a seasoned storyteller, my hope is that this book will both inspire and empower you as you move forward. Room 208 kids have told some incredible stories over the years, and I know your students will, too. Reserve your copy of my book from ISTE today!
Purchase on ISTE Books

Connect & Follow

I am active on Instagram and Twitter @Packwoman208. Follow me for a glimpse inside my classroom. You can also keep up to date with learning opportunities and see sample projects created by my students.

Listen & Subscribe

I am fortunate to be able to record a digital storytelling podcast with my colleague, Georgia Terlaje. We've implemented moviemaking in our classrooms for a combined 25 years. Listen as we share lesson ideas, in-depth discussion, and interviews with other teachers who foster a culture of storytelling in their classrooms.
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