BHS welcomes a new face to its science department this year: Jessica Mitchell, who will now teach biology as well as honors anatomy & physiology.

Mitchell began her career as a plant pathologist at the University of Illinois, where she identified fungal pathogens in crops like soybeans and alfalfa. Her work ranged from collecting field data to running DNA analysis in the lab.

However, when a move to North Carolina led her to take a last-minute substitute teaching job, her career trajectory changed. 

Mitchell shared what had happened in the days following her move.

“A couple of days later, they asked, ‘Do you just want to teach biology for us?’ So that’s how I got my first teaching job, and I just loved it so much. I never went back into the lab.”

Since then, she’s taught in both Ohio and North Carolina and has discovered a particular passion for anatomy. 

“Anatomy is my favorite class to teach,” she said, noting that some of her former students have gone on to become doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

This year, students can expect a hands-on approach in her classes. In honors anatomy, Mitchell plans to incorporate extensive lab work, including dissections of sheep hearts, livers, cats, and kidneys. 

Biology students will spend significant time mastering microscopy and learning to identify organisms under the lens.

She describes her teaching philosophy as both traditional and flexible. While she uses a standardized grading system, she also emphasizes mastery learning, requiring students to show at least 80% proficiency on major assessments and labs, with retakes available. 

“I hope that my students become curious about the natural world,” Mitchell said. “I hope that they’re not afraid of science. I want them to see a place for themselves on that path.”

Beyond the classroom, Mitchell’s interests reflect her interest in nature. In 2021, she solo-hiked 270 miles on Vermont’s Long Trail, from Massachusetts to Canada. She also enjoys gardening, a hobby tied to her early education and interest in plant pathology.

While Beachwood has faced multiple turnovers in the anatomy teaching position in recent years, Mitchell has made her commitment clear. 

“I’m really happy to be here at Beachwood,” she said. “It’s such a nice community, and I’m just really excited to be here for a long time. This is where I’m going to retire from.”