Meet Jessica Pack

Jessica Pack is a California Teacher of the Year, CUE Outstanding Educator, and author who has been teaching middle school for 18 years. She regularly presents at national conferences and her book, Moviemaking in the Classroom, was released in August 2021 by ISTE Books. 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. 

2023 Speaking Engagements

Palm Springs Unified, 2 Day Workshop, "Ready for Your Close Up? UDL and Moviemaking" on January 4-5

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 
  • Desert Sands Unified School District, 3 Day Workshop, "Storytelling for All: Equity and SEL through Advanced Moviemaking" on August 3-5th
  • ISTE Expert Webinar (Virtual), "Meaningful Integration of Moviemaking" on August 10, 10:00 AM PST
  • WeVideo Webinar (Virtual), "Why Stories Matter and How to Create Them" on September 27th, 4:00 PM PST
  • ISTE CCL (Virtual), "Moviemaking Mini Lessons for More Creative Communicators" on October 15th, 9:55-10:45 AM PST
  • California Science Educators Conference (Palm Springs), "Storytelling Saves the World: Moviemaking as Assessment" on October 15th, 1:00-2:30 PM
  • California Mathematics Council South Annual Conference (Palm Springs), "Are You Ready for Your Close Up? Moviemaking as Assessment" on November 5th, 10:30 - 12:00 PM 

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.
Picture