Walnutwood school instructor Jessica Cisneros-Elliott teaches students a little differently than most of her peers do and she was recently recognized for her abilities and talents by local media outlet ABC10 as their Teacher of the Month.

Cisneros-Elliott is an independent study teacher at the Folsom Cordova Unified School District’s (FCUSD) alternative education school Walnutwood. It is her ability to motivate her students that has drawn praise for her efforts. Independent study students work largely on their own outside of a classroom environment. Keeping them engaged and involved while being responsible for advancing their own educational goals, can be challenging.

“Ms. Cisneros-Elliott embodies the very best of our teachers: She has the ability to find what is important to individual students, then inspires them to continue reaching for their goals,” said FCUSD Superintendent Deborah Bettencourt.

A well-seasoned instructor, Cisneros-Elliott has been with the FCUSD for seven years, spending the last six at Walnutwood. “We’re so proud that she is being recognized for her hard work and dedication to student achievement.”