Jessica Flynn’s classroom at Bear Creek Secondary School doesn’t just teach history and English—it transforms how students see themselves in the world.
“When I think about education, it’s not just about curriculum,” Flynn explains as she sits surrounded by student projects that line the walls of her classroom. “It’s about helping young people find their power and their voice.”
This philosophy has earned Flynn the 2024 Education Award at the Community Builders Awards, celebrating her innovative approach that extends far beyond textbooks and tests.
As a 15-year veteran teacher in Barrie, Flynn has pioneered programs that connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Her “Civic Engagement Project” challenges Grade 10 students to identify community issues and develop actionable solutions, resulting in student-led initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health resources, and environmental sustainability.
“Jessica exemplifies the kind of teacher every parent hopes their child will have,” says Principal Samantha Greenwood. “She creates space for students to discover their own capabilities while maintaining academic rigor.”
Last year, Flynn’s students partnered with the Barrie Food Bank to launch a school-wide collection drive that gathered over 3,000 items. Another group successfully petitioned city council to install additional lighting along pathways near the school—a safety improvement that benefited the entire neighbourhood.
Former student Michael Chen, now studying political science at Laurentian University, credits Flynn with changing his educational trajectory. “Before Mrs. Flynn’s class, I was just going through the motions. She helped me understand that my ideas matter and showed me how to channel them into meaningful action.”
Data from Bear Creek shows that students who complete Flynn’s programs demonstrate higher engagement levels in subsequent courses and participate in extracurricular activities at twice the rate of their peers. This success caught the attention of the Simcoe County District School Board, which has begun implementing elements of her teaching approach in professional development sessions for educators across the region.
“What makes Jessica exceptional is her ability to meet students where they are,” observes fellow teacher and nominator Robert Patel. “Students who struggle in traditional academic settings often find their stride in her classroom because she emphasizes their strengths rather than their challenges.”
Flynn’s approach includes what she calls “reflection circles,” where students discuss their learning processes and share obstacles they’ve encountered. These sessions build community while teaching valuable skills in communication and emotional intelligence.
“Sometimes the most important lessons happen when a project doesn’t go as planned,” Flynn notes. “Those moments of working through frustration or finding another path forward—that’s where real growth happens.”
The Education Award recognition comes with a $2,500 grant that Flynn plans to use for expanding her classroom’s “Community Change Maker” program, which provides micro-grants to student initiatives addressing local challenges.
“The beauty of Jessica’s work is how she balances academic excellence with social responsibility,” says Community Builders Awards committee chair Elizabeth Kwan. “Her students consistently demonstrate strong critical thinking skills while developing as engaged citizens.”
Flynn’s impact extends beyond her own students. She leads professional development workshops for colleagues and has created an online resource hub where teachers across Ontario can access her project frameworks and assessment tools.
Outside school hours, Flynn volunteers with the Barrie Youth Council, providing mentorship to teens developing leadership skills. She also coordinates an annual conference connecting students with local business leaders and community organizers.
“We need to break down the walls between school and community,” Flynn insists. “When students see direct connections between their learning and the world around them, something powerful happens—they start to see themselves as change makers rather than just learners.”
Parents have become some of Flynn’s strongest supporters. Diane Moreau, whose daughter participated in Flynn’s civic engagement project last year, recalls the transformation she witnessed. “My daughter came home excited about history for the first time. She was researching local housing policies and developing solutions. I barely recognized this confident young woman who suddenly had opinions about municipal governance.”
Flynn remains humble about the recognition, quick to redirect praise toward her students and colleagues. “This award really celebrates what happens when we trust young people to tackle meaningful problems and give them the tools to succeed.”
As the 2024 school year continues, Flynn’s classroom buzzes with energy as students debate their latest projects. On a bulletin board near her desk, dozens of notes from former students serve as testament to her lasting influence.
One note, written in careful handwriting, perhaps best captures Flynn’s impact: “You didn’t just teach me history. You taught me that I have a place in it.”
The Community Builders Awards ceremony will take place next month at the Barrie Country Club, where Flynn and other community leaders will be formally recognized for their contributions to the region.
