Jaci Balancia: A Legacy of Teaching Leads to Teacher of the Year Nomination at Diversified Minds

The journey of Jaci Balancia, nominated for Teacher of the Year at Diversified Minds, is a story of dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted legacy in education.

Born into a family of educators in New York City, Jaci was surrounded by inspiring tales from her maternal grandparents and great-uncle. Her grandmother’s imaginative teaching tools and her grandfather’s commitment to keeping students in school through work-study programs laid the foundation for Jaci’s future in education.

A pivotal moment came in 8th grade when Jaci’s English teacher, Mr. Taravella, recognized her potential. He encouraged her to develop her writing and public speaking skills, leading her to publish poems in the school magazine. These early experiences sparked a passion in Jaci, leading her to pursue a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction through the UMD MCERT program.

Jaci’s teaching career began in a Montessori setting as an assistant teacher, where she discovered her talent for working with students with behavioral and social differences. After earning her Montessori certification in 2011, Jaci’s journey took her to Frederick County Public Schools, where she taught seventh-grade students in mixed-ability classrooms. Her time at FCPS was marked by both challenges and rewards, honing her skills in managing diverse classroom dynamics.

Seeking to expand her teaching capabilities, Jaci transitioned to Skyline Middle School, first as a seventh-grade teacher and then in a sixth-grade role. Her commitment to collaborative learning and student development shone through as she took on roles beyond traditional teaching. Her initiatives included coaching cross country and track and inspiring students through literature.

Jaci Balancia (center) with History students Brooke Walters, left, and Hunter Derflinger, right.

Eventually, Jaci found her true calling in a nontraditional educational setting. At Diversified Minds, she began as the STARS teacher, working with students requiring additional support. Her dedication and effectiveness led to a full-time position as a high school English teacher, later transitioning to a history teacher. In these roles, Jaci continued to innovate, bringing history to life through creative methods like building scale models and imaginative problem-solving scenarios.

Jaci’s nomination for Teacher of the Year is a testament to her exceptional ability to connect with students, her creative teaching methods, and her unwavering commitment to education. Her journey from a family with a strong teaching heritage to becoming an influential educator herself is an inspiring tale of passion and perseverance in the field of education.

Jaci Balancia’s story reflects the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on the lives of their students and the broader educational community.