Jessica Gates

As a Manager of Teacher Leadership Development, Jessica coaches, develops the instructional leadership, and provides support to our teachers in Chattanooga. This includes coaching corps members toward expanding perspectives, facilitating small group sessions, and designing learning experiences to advance the academic and person growth of their students. Jessica partners with schools, communities, students, and families as well as the broader regional team to build a culture that celebrates unique contributions and unites people around shared values and common purpose.

Prior to joining Teach For America, Jessica oversaw and managed literacy programs in Portland, Oregon and taught ESL for children and adults - both domestically and internationally. Jessica originally joined TFA staff in 2019 as our Associate, Talent and Operations. In May 2021, she transitioned to her current role as a MTLD. She is a South Carolina native and holds a Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) from Portland State University.