My name is Jolie Hess. I will be teaching Developmental Preschool this year and am very excited to join the Desert Sun/Cave Creek community. I began my career teaching an academically based pre-kindergarten class Camden, NJ. This experience led me to pursue my Masters in Special Education and in 2005 I completed my Master’s program. With almost 20 years in education, I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach many different grade levels and in settings ranging from general education to self-contained classrooms. The majority of my experience has been in the primary grades. I am a strong believer in continuing my education and keeping current on trends in the field. My experiences have shaped the educator that I am today. This range of teaching opportunities has enabled me to work with students with very different disabilities ranging from children with Down’s syndrome, serious emotional disabilities, to mild/moderate learning issues, and autism. One thing has been a constant, children will be children. When I began taking education courses, I learned how crucial parental involvement is to a child’s success. This resonates with me to this day. I pride myself in the relationships that I build with my students’, and their families/guardians. When there is a strong home/school connection, everyone thrives. All of my teaching experiences have shaped my personal and professional life. I continue to learn and grow on a daily basis.