Alison Jussaume is one of our new members of the English Department, teaching 9th grade students. Although we have started a new year in unprecedented times, Jussaume revealed that her transition to Berkeley has been wonderful so far, thanks to her students who have been, “really kind to one another and to me.” 

She believes in giving her students an open mindset as well as empowering them to take charge of their education. Instead of being a lecturer or instructor, Jussaume finds it significant to become a facilitator: “encouraging people to explore, that allows for more active participation and to show them to be thoughtful and critical by upholding the values that we have as a community here.”

 She believes these qualities stem from her background as an occupational therapist. Even though teaching and occupational therapy are careers in different fields, she states that, “They’re very related because you’re both working on goals in both fields you have to plan and kind of consider your audience.” 

Aside from her vast and proficient experience in education, “Ms. J,” as she likes to be called, loves traveling, the outdoors and living in real time without the presence of social media. Without question, Jussaume will bring many necessary aspects into the classroom and our Berkeley community, including being a respectable colleague to other faculty members and ensuring that her students are seen and appreciated.