Jennifer Bourassa

Following her graduation from the University of Miami in Florida with a degree in marine biology and secondary education, she lived on Catalina Island, off the coast of Long Beach, California for 5 years and worked with students grades 4-12 in the outdoor marine science program CIMI (Catalina Island Marine Institute). At CIMI the students engage in hands-on marine science and ecology activities including snorkeling, kayaking, touch tanks, tidepooling, hiking, etc. She went on to become program director of CIMI at Cherry Cove.

After her time at CIMI, Jenny moved into a formal classroom setting as a biology and chemistry teacher at High Tech High Chula Vista (HTHCV), located in South San Diego. HTHCV is a part of the High Tech High Schools which are innovative project-based learning charter schools based on design principles of equity, personalization, authentic work and collaborative design. At HTHCV, Jenny also served as a science instructional coach, guiding new and veteran teachers in project management and design, as well as helped to establish the 11th grade internship program.

Currently, Jenny is currently working as curriculum designer and consultant. She has worked on projects designing open source curriculum for corporations as well as for families choosing to homeschool abroad. She has created a wide range of science courses for students grades 6-12 and has tailored these experiences to the students’ location, interests and passions. You will also find Jenny staying active in the community by volunteering at her sons’ elementary school, working with the school’s educational foundation, as well as with local activist and political organizations. She hopes to continue to work toward equity and meaningful societal change both with students and the community at large.