Jessica Patnode
Small School Teacher
jpatnode@nantucketlighthouseschool.org
Meet Jessica
M.Ed. Special Education, Keene State College
B.A. Early Childhood Education, Keene State College
Jessica is a compassionate educator with ten years of teaching experience. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in special education from Keene State College in New Hampshire. Jessica continues to pursue professional development opportunities, most recently receiving Waldorf early childhood education certification from Sunbridge Institute.
Prior to joining Nantucket Lighthouse School in 2021, Jessica was the lead pre-kindergarten teacher at Happy Child Preschool in Newton, MA, for seven years. In addition to her classroom duties, Jessica directed the annual school play and was an active member of the Happy Child Preschool’s accreditation team.
With her background in special education, Jessica is devoted to creating an inclusive and safe classroom environment. She strives to provide all her Small School students with individualized support to ensure their emotional, developmental, and academic well-being. Jessica feels fortunate to be a part of the Nantucket Lighthouse School community.
What Nantucket Lighthouse School means to Jessica
“When I first walked through Nantucket Lighthouse School, I was in awe of the warmth in the classrooms, the dedication of the teachers, and the magical wonder of the students. As a Small School teacher, I get to watch young students flourish because of our play-based approach, thoughtful art projects, and respect for the world around us. Every day I feel fortunate to be a part of the Nantucket Lighthouse School community.”
