Meet Jessie Piippo
Post-Secondary Institution
Central Michigan University
Certification
Special Education (Cognitive Impairment)
District
Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD
Professional Background
Certified Nursing Assistant, Skills Trainer, Paraprofessional, Apprentice Teacher
A former Certified Nursing Assistant now helps students succeed by teaching job skills through Project SEARCH.
Jessie Piippo is a dedicated and passionate future special education teacher with a background in healthcare. She is pursuing her dream of helping students realize their potential and succeed in the workforce. Through Talent Together, Jessie has overcome financial challenges and is now an instructor in the Project SEARCH program, where she works closely with student interns to teach job-specific and soft skills.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Working as a nursing assistant wasn’t fulfilling for me; I wanted to be in a field where my work is driven by passion rather than feeling like a job. My aspiration to become a special education teacher comes from a strong desire to help people succeed and become confident members of society. It brings me joy to show students that they can achieve their goals.
What challenges previously stopped you from becoming a teacher?
As a single mother of two teenagers, I found it overwhelming to balance my responsibilities and the costs associated with education. I was unsure if I could manage school, a full-time job, two part-time jobs, and parenting. Talent Together helped alleviate that financial burden, making it possible for me to pursue my dream.
What was your role before joining Talent Together?
Before joining Talent Together, I was a skills trainer, where I wore many hats. My primary focus was on supporting interns during their 10-week internships. I taught them job tasks and soft skills while tracking their progress and celebrating their growth from struggle to success by the end of their internships.
How has your role evolved since joining Talent Together?
Since joining the program, I have been promoted to apprentice teacher in the Project SEARCH program. It is fulfilling to teach and guide interns while also growing personally and professionally as an educator.
What support has Talent Together provided during this journey?
The support I’ve received has been incredible. Angela, my Success Navigator, has been a valuable resource, answering my questions and guiding me through class selection and degree requirements.
What do you hope educators take away from your experiences?
I want educators to remember that they truly make a difference, even on difficult days. The impact we have on students or interns lasts a lifetime, and being a positive role model can inspire positivity in return. Education is a field where dedication and encouragement can transform lives.