Hello.  My name is Jamie Firgens and I am very excited to be joining the First Grade Team at Encino Park Elementary.  I look forward to learning, exploring, and fun this new school year.

This will be my 15th year of teaching in the public school setting!  My passion is teaching kids how to make the transition between learning to read to becoming life-long readers who read to learn.  I love how first grade students are eager to explore and engage in learning experiences.

I grew up in East Texas and I attended college at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas where I received my B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a specialization in Early Childhood. After teaching a year in Midlothian ISD, I was offered a Director of Education role at Sylvan Learning Center in San Antonio. At this time, I worked with all levels of students from pre-k to college.  After 15 years and various positons at Sylvan, I left to go back to the classroom.  I taught 9 years for NISD.  This year will be my 5th year with NEISD!  This is where my heart is!

This summer I celebrated 19 years of marriage to my husband who is a product of NEISD, and our two fabulous kids, a Senior and Freshman, who are also NEISD students!  I could not be more overjoyed to be a part of such an amazing district, staff, and community! Besides spending all my free time with my family, I love to read, watch movies, and travel.

I look forward to a great year working with you and your amazing child, and instilling a passion for learning!