As a young child, an elementary classroom was a stable space for Jordan Elias.
Now, as a new teacher at Cleveland, she wants her classroom to provide all the fun and joy of learning that should come with being a 4th grader.
“I was fortunate to have elementary teachers who could recognize what I needed and that the classroom was a safe environment where I could just be a kid. That has been my drive and mission for how I run my classroom.”
Elias was raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School. She earned an Elementary Education degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a Gifted and Talented Certification from the University of St. Thomas.
She taught at Rosa Parks Elementary in Mankato for eight years and in Arizona for one year.
But as a resident of the district, she is no stranger to Cleveland. She and her husband Cody have two children who attend Cleveland School, Maliah Elias, an 8th grader and Braxton Elias, a 4th grader. She was also a long-term sub at Cleveland last spring.
“It truly is a special place. Cleveland brings the joy in teaching and creates an amazing learning environment for all kids. I’m excited to continue to learn and grow with our community.”
Her favorite subject to teach is math.
“I love seeing the ‘aha’ moments and helping kids recognize that there is more than one pathway to the correct answer. You can challenge students and see their thinking through their math work.”
When she is not in the classroom, Elias keeps busy with her side hustles. She is a vendor at The She Shed in town and sells products there she has created. She also sells consignment formal gowns and has an alteration business.
“Sewing and creating are my side loves.”
When she is not immersed in her hobbies, she is with her kiddos going on some type of adventure. Her proudest moment was becoming a mom.
“Nothing beats it, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Maliah is an avid volleyball player. Braxton is a ball of life that keeps us on our toes and is a baseball fanatic.”
The family also has a dog “Allie,” a bunny “June” and a fish “Taco.”