JVIDÊÓƵ, a Pearson VUE business and the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners, today announced that Jenny Mohess, graphic design professor at Valencia College and department chair at Osceola County School District in Florida, has been named JVIDÊÓƵ’s Educator of the Year. The award was announced at JVIDÊÓƵ’s , where educators gather to explore the full promise and potential of business and technology certification in the classroom.
When presenting the award, Craig Bushman, General Manager, JVIDÊÓƵ said that Jenny’s energy and enthusiasm are absolutely contagious. “She’s an experienced educator who is constantly working to improve her community. Our team is privileged to work with Jenny and have been learning from her expertise and passion for years. Jenny absolutely deserves this award.”
Originally from Trinidad & Tobago, Jenny Mohess has lived in Osceola County, Florida for over 22 years. She first stepped onto Valencia College’s Campus in 2000 as an international student where she earned an A.S. in graphic design. While working for Apple, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of South Florida, and a master’s in art education from Boston University. Her educational experience led to jobs at Apple, Microsoft, and eventually, her own design studio. Jenny currently teaches at Valencia College and Tohopekaliga High School. Jenny has found genuine purpose in mentoring future graphic and web designers at both the collegiate and high school level. She’s also empowering other educators across the country in her role as a .
Known for bringing her passion and industry connections into the classroom, Jenny adeptly helps her students develop skills to succeed in the workforce. She is beloved by her students and even those outside her school can see it. “I have known Miss Mohess for six years and I have seen her teaching methodology and her pedagogy in her classroom. I’ve never seen a teacher care so deeply for every single student. She follows up with those kids every single day. She's keeping them on track and connecting them to industry,” said Joe Trybus, Career Resource Specialist for CTE of Osceola Schools. “She focuses on Adobe, but she’s also teaching students life lessons and holding them accountable.”
Her dedication helped Jenny gain the support of her administration and community as well. George Arscott, Principal, Tohopekaliga High School, said, “As the principal of a school, you’re always looking to confirm that you have the right people in the right places. Jenny Mohess is the right person in the right place, leading our CTE programs. Not only does she get the buy in from the kids, but she's also able to get the other teachers to buy into her and follow her direction.”
Jenny’s also been a long-time supporter of the Adobe Certified Professional Championship program, empowering one of her students to take home the title of Adobe Certified Professional World Champion. She sends students each year, empowering the next generation of graphic designers with real-world experiences to prepare them for their future careers.
JVIDÊÓƵ also honored outstanding educators in various award categories:
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Outstanding Administrator Award: Frank LaMantia, Curriculum Director of CTE, Community High School District 218, Illinois
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Learning Products Leader Award: Tracy Waters, Business and Computer Science Teacher and FBLA Advisor, Tattnall High School, Georgia
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Innovation and Excellence Award: Laurene Klassen, Director of IT Training and Communications, Southern Methodist University, Texas
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Community Impact Award: Teriah Abrams, CTE Department Chair/IT Academy Coordinator, Stephen T. Mather High School, Illinois
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Institutional Distinction Award: Larry Clark, Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator, Wake County Schools, North Carolina
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Exceptional Newcomer Award: Dr. Misty Sabol, Assistant Professor of Quantitative Methods, University of South Alabama - Mitchell College of Business, Alabama
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CERTIFIED Champion Award: Ben Wolford, Director - Center for Enrichment, Utah State University, Utah
Watch a video highlighting the 2024 Educator of the Year . You can also hear about Jenny’s passion for teaching and technology on the CERTIFIED Educator Podcast .