In a world that often places immense pressure on teachers, Jamie Peel stands as a beacon of dedication, not only to her students but also to her fellow educators. As a veteran teacher at Ottawa ESD 141, Jamie brings passion, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility to everything she does. Her story is one of growth, adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to making sure every student, no matter their background, feels seen and heard.

Jamie’s journey as an educator began 16 years ago in Peru, Illinois, but it was Ottawa that became her true professional home. She started out teaching Spanish for nine years before transitioning to English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. “I made the switch when I felt I needed a change,” Jamie says, reflecting on her career path. That change led her to a role where she now serves over 120 students, many of whom are the children of first-generation American families or recent arrivals to the United States. “Our caseload is busy,” she admits, but there’s no trace of complaint in her voice. For Jamie, the challenge is part of the reward.

Though the majority of her students speak Spanish, Jamie also encounters children who come from homes where Albanian, Vietnamese, and Polish, to name a few, are spoken as first languages. This linguistic diversity brings unique challenges to the classroom, but Jamie sees it as an opportunity to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. “You don’t always have to know their language to teach them,” Jamie explains. “The majority of our instruction is in English, and we have some great bilingual coworkers who step in when needed.”

One of the things Jamie loves most about her job is the relationships she forms with her students. “I work with the sweetest and best kids,” she beams. “They always want to be at school, and they’re eager to learn.” But Jamie doesn’t shy away from the reality that many of her students face tough circumstances. “Imagine sitting in a classroom where you don’t speak the language,” she says. “It’s a big adjustment, and it can be scary.” Yet, despite these challenges, Jamie’s students consistently show up with smiles on their faces, ready to engage.

Throughout her 14 years in Ottawa, Jamie has seen her role evolve from a classroom teacher to a leader of the school’s ESL department. Alongside her teammate, Kelsey, and two new bilingual fellows, Jamie has built a program that serves a growing number of students. “This is the most bilingual support we’ve ever had,” she says, clearly excited about the future of the program.

When asked what keeps her coming back to Ottawa ESD 141 year after year, Jamie doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the team.” She describes her colleagues as hardworking, resilient, and deeply committed to their students. “We’ve all been through tough times together, but we don’t give up,” she says. Jamie herself faced one of the hardest moments of her life during her first year in the district when she lost her younger brother to cancer. “The team at Shepherd was like family,” she recalls.

“They went through it all with me, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

In a profession that often feels thankless, Jamie Peel remains an optimist. “I think we’re going to see a turnaround,” she says of the teacher shortage that has plagued schools across the country. “We’ve hired some amazing people this year, and I think there’s hope.” To her, advocating for her colleagues is an extension of her commitment to education. “Teachers are under a lot of pressure,” she says. “We need to take care of our teachers if we want them to take care of our students.” For Jamie, teaching isn’t just a job—it’s who she is. And it’s an identity she intends to own for many years to come.

As the new school year begins, Jamie is focused on keeping her students and their families engaged and connected. “We want families to feel welcome and involved,” she says. “Learning has to be fun, or nobody’s going to want to do it.” For Jamie, the success of her students isn’t measured in grades but in smiles and the bonds she forms with them. “Even if we don’t learn something academic that day, I want my classroom to be a safe space where my students feel supported.”

With a heart for both her students and her colleagues, Jamie Peel embodies the spirit of Ottawa ESD 141. As both a teacher and a leader, she continues to inspire those around her, proving that education is about more than just pencils and papers—it’s about people, relationships, and the power of community.