Although Linda Ysewyn (Ease-win) is a Jackson MS mathematics teacher, she explains, “In reality each day, I’m also a learner.” Linda joined FCPS during the 2000-01 school year and has been at Jackson since then. “It’s been so rewarding to have former students return, in person or via email, to share with me their continued life journeys since they were in my middle school math classroom.”

Linda sees her responsibility as more than teaching seventh graders the math curriculum. She says, “Foremost, my responsibility is to be present each day as my best self and to maintain an open heart and open mind.” Linda is also on the Math 7 Honors and Pre-Algebra Collaboration Teams; an advisory teacher for seventh graders; and an active member of the Faculty Advisory, Human Relations, and Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) Committees. She has served as a “Check and Connect Mentor” for students, which is a program administered by the school social worker, and has collaborated with Student Services to initiate a peer tutor program for math students.

Principal Michael Magliola adds, “When you step into Mrs. Ysewyn's classroom, two things are clearly visible: She seeks to understand the educational and emotional needs of her students and uses love, humor, and thoughtful consideration to meet those needs."

Linda says, "Over the years, I’ve been blessed to work and learn alongside the Jackson Middle School staff and with our students and their families, as well as the Falls Church High School softball coaches and players.”

Linda has been enamored with baseball since she was 4 years old. She describes it as a sport that requires remarkable offensive and defensive skills, a slower pace, and strategy. Linda asks, "Did you know Hall of Famers generally fail seven out of ten times? With that stat, my belief is, let’s remain optimistic.”

Optimism and gratitude seem to be a theme for Linda. One of her favorite quotes is from Melody Beattie: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough [...]”

And with that gratitude in mind, Linda beams, “My parents were my beacon. I would simply not be who I am without their love, sacrifice, support, humor, and boundless faith in me.” Linda, we believe you are a beacon for many students in FCPS, and we are grateful for all you do!