Advisor Spotlight: Celebrating Jessica Elshire, Washington ACTE New Teacher of the Year
At Ignite, we believe that the right mentors and educators can transform a student’s trajectory. That’s why we’re so proud to celebrate Jessica Elshire, an Ignite Advisor from Clover Park School District, who was recently named the Washington ACTE New Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Elshire’s journey into education began when she graduated from Central Washington University in 2020—right in the middle of the pandemic. She quickly found her footing in the classroom, moving from long-term substitute teaching into full-time roles that allowed her to stretch her leadership and mentoring skills. Today, she teaches educational leadership at Lakes High School, 
empowering students not just to learn, but to lead.
Beyond the classroom, Jessica has taken her passion statewide by serving as a newsletter co-chair on the Washington Family & Consumer Sciences Education board, helping amplify the voices and programs of educators across the state. Her commitment to sharing resources and lifting others reflects the very heart of what it means to be an Ignite advisor.
The Ignite & CTE Connection
Years ago, when school leaders were seeking meaningful ways to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, the Ignite CTE course was a natural fit. For years, Ignite had been running as a class that built leadership, mentoring, and life-ready skills. Integrating Ignite into the Education Leadership and Family & Consumer Sciences pathways brought those values directly into the CTE framework.
The result? Students who not only explore career readiness, but also gain essential skills in leadership, communication, and service. These are values that Ms. Elshire champions daily in her work with her students. Her classroom is more than a learning space—it’s a launchpad for future educators, mentors, and leaders.
Why We’re Proud
Jessica represents the very best of Ignite: innovative, student-centered, and deeply committed to shaping leaders for tomorrow. Being honored as the Washington ACTE New Teacher of the Year is a recognition not only of her talent, but also of the incredible alignment between Ignite’s mission and the goals of CTE.
We’re proud to stand beside Jessica and celebrate all that she’s accomplished so far—and we can’t wait to see the continued impact she’ll make on her students, her school, and the broader CTE community.
Congratulations, Ms. Elshire! Your Ignite family is cheering you on.