Empowering Educators: Jessica Bentley Comando ‘13
Education has the power to transform lives, and for Jessica Bentley Comando ‘13, this transformation began with her own experiences as a student. Today, as a seventh-grade teacher, Jessica, who received her B.A. in English, is giving back to the next generation, just as her teachers once did for her. Her journey is one of resilience, passion, and the power of the community, the values that Albertus Magnus College taught her along the way.
Jessica’s path to becoming an educator was not an easy one. Like many students, she faced challenges throughout her academic journey. However, she found comfort in the support of her teachers, who became her mentors. “It stems all the way back when I was in school,” Jessica explains. “I struggled a lot, but I had amazing teachers who supported and guided me.” Rather than allowing those struggles to bring her down, Jessica used them as motivation to pursue a career in education. She wanted to be the person who could make a difference in a student’s life, just as her teachers had done for her. “That is what inspired me to want to be an educator myself,” she shares. “I wanted to be an advocate for the next generation.” Jessica also says that teaching is a natural fit for her personality. With a strong passion for working with the youth, she has found a career that truly fits her as a person. Now, she embraces the role of shaping young minds and guiding them through their own academic journeys.
Living the Pillar of Community
Albertus is built on four pillars: community, service, prayer, and study. For Jessica, the pillar of community resonates with her work as an educator. She believes that investing in the younger generation is essential for building a stronger future. “I feel the happiest when I am working with others,” she says. “The kids are our future, and we need to invest in them. They need to feel like people care about them.” Jessica understands that for students to succeed, they must feel seen, heard, and valued. As an educator, she dedicates herself to creating an environment where her students feel supported. “I have it in me to pour into their cups and be that person for them to look up to,” she shares. At Albertus, students are encouraged to develop meaningful relationships, both in and out of the classroom, and to use their talents to serve others. Jessica uses this principle every day in her classroom, where she creates a space for her students to grow not only academically but also personally.
How Albertus Magnus College Helped Shape Her Path
Reflecting on her time at Albertus Magnus College, Jessica thanks Albertus for providing her with the confidence and skills necessary to succeed as an educator. The college’s supportive environment and emphasis on personal and professional growth played an important role in shaping her journey. “Albertus brought me full circle in finding my own voice as an educator,” she says. “It gave me tons of different experiences and opportunities.” One of the most influential figures in Jessica’s college experience was Erin Morrell, the Associate Dean for Student Engagement and New Student Orientation. “Erin had a huge impact on my time here at Albertus,” Jessica says. “She helped me find my voice.” Through various opportunities at Albertus, Jessica gained firsthand experience in leadership, communication, and community engagement.
A Decade of Impact in Education
Now, with ten years of teaching experience, Jessica remains dedicated to inspiring and supporting her students, just as her own teachers once did for her. She views education not just as a career, but as a calling. Every day, she strives to create a classroom environment where students feel encouraged, motivated, and confident in their abilities. Jessica believes that education has the power to transform lives, just as it did for her, and she works tirelessly to ensure that her students feel valued and supported. Her story is proof that great educators do more than teach, they inspire, uplift, and empower those around them. Thanks to the lessons and experiences she gained at Albertus, Jessica is now making a real difference in the lives of her students, helping to shape the next generation with knowledge, kindness, and a passion for learning.