Jill Bristow

English Teacher

jill.bristow@cobbk12.org

jillebristow@gmail.com

404-625-7935

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About Me

I am an organized and creative English teacher with over 12 years of experience in Cobb County Schools.

I teach kids.

The classroom is my calling. I have never felt more at home than I do when I am perched on a desk, holding a novel, listening to a teenager tell me how this book has changed their thinking. I love guiding kids through literature, helping them articulate their thoughts on paper, and watching their eyes light up. I am passionate about helping kids become the best readers and writers they can be, using everything from today’s advanced technology tools to good old-fashioned books made of paper. There is nothing that fills my heart like watching a student learn.

Certifications & Endorsements

English (6-12)

Dramatic Writing for Film, Television, and Theater

AP Literature and Composition

AP Language and Composition

Computer Science (6-12)

AP Computer Science Principles

Experience

2011-Present: Osborne High School

Teaching and Leading

In 2011, I began my teaching career at Osborne High School, and I quickly knew I had found my calling. I love sharing literature with high schoolers, hearing their insights, and watching their writing grow over the course of a semester. I have taught most English courses offered in Cobb County, but my perennial favorites are World Literature and Dramatic Writing for Film, Television, and Theater. These courses allow me to express my creativity in planning and instruction, and I have seen great results from my students in these courses.

As a teacher-leader, I have always enjoyed taking on challenges like facilitating collaborative teams, running events to showcase my students’ work, and organizing staff- and school-wide activities.

Coaching

In 2023, I undertook the biggest project of my career so far: building a brand-new sports program from the ground up. As the assistant coach of Osborne’s new eSports program, I was tasked with everything from creating team branding, to handling finances, to interfacing with the eSports governing body, to connecting with coaches at other schools. Not to mention coaching the kids! Helping build this program has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and I look forward to doing it again at a new school.

From 2011-2013, I coached Junior Varsity volleyball. Mentoring the girls was rewarding and exciting, and learning the fundamentals of coaching helped me become a better teacher.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a research-based program that gives schools a framework for teaching students our behavioral expectations and correcting them when those expectations aren’t met. I joined the PBIS team at its inception at Osborne, and in 2019 I became the PBIS Team Leader. In 2020, I took on the additional role of PBIS Coach. While working with the PBIS team, I have created mini-lessons for school-wide implementation, coordinated staff PBIS events and activities, and worked with the county PBIS office to complete our school’s certifications.

Skills

TECHNOLOGY

I am extremely adept at using technology in the classroom. From helping students design their own portfolio websites to being everyone’s go-to CTLS wizard, I know how to make 21st century tech work for 21st century kids.

ORGANIZATION

Who doesn’t love a good calendar? I create beautiful at-a-glance documents like scopes and sequences, detailed unit plans, and easy-to-follow daily lesson plans that keep my teaching – and my students’ learning – on track.

CREATIVITY

I have a creative personality and love flexing those muscles. My daily lessons include interesting strategies and connections that keep kids engaged. And I love participating in school spirit activities like door decorating!

LEADERSHIP

I am proud to be a teacher leader. I led the World Literature team for ten years, I have served on or led multiple committees, and I have presented at school- and district-wide professional learning days.