Jael Mary Moody is a passionate educator from Beaumont, Texas. Her passion for teaching stems from her experience as a child of poverty and wanting to be a model for students of how to turn barriers into bridges. Even as a product of a single-parent household and at-risk youth, Moody always pictured herself teaching, but ran from her calling until her second semester in college. In 2010, Moody received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies/Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University. In 2016, Moody received her Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University and received her principal’s certification from Lamar in 2019. Throughout her experience as an educator, Moody has taught all of the core subjects in classrooms ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade, working closely with English language learners and students with dyslexia. Moody is currently the coordinator of testing and 504 services for Port Arthur ISD. In addition to her efforts inside the classroom, Moody chartered a mentorship program on her campus called DeQueens & Kings: Pupils with a Purpose where her mission is to empower a diverse group of students through a mentorship program focused on self-esteem, positive behavior, having a growth mindset, and overcoming obstacles. Moody is also the founder of Mrs. Moody’s Mathematicians; a Facebook group that allows parents and students to receive academic support outside of school free of charge. After nine years in the classroom, Moody was named the 2019-2020 PAISD Teacher of the Year. Moody is grateful to have the two greatest supporters in her life; her husband, Donald and son, Damon who she calls her DJ’s. In addition to being an educator, Moody is a singer, actress, and  owner of Jael Mary’s Bowtique. Moody is a proud member of Impact Ministries where she serves in several ministries. Moody is excited about being a co-founder of K.A.R.E.