Hello! I'm Jessica
I am an effective public agency leader with over 14 years of experience in state education and government environments. I am adept at strategic planning, policy development, and implementing process improvements that drive operational excellence. I have a proven track record of guiding cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and delivering executive-level presentations to project stakeholders. A collaborative problem solver, I have expertise in facilitating learning and am committed to advancing development initiatives in fast-paced, high-stakes settings.
Jessica Davis
Training & Development Specialist
Email:
Location:
Elgin, TX
LinkedIn:
EXPERIENCE
2025-Present
Training & Development Specialist
Texas Health & Human Services Commission
As a training and development specialist, I facilitate instructor-led virtual, in-person, and hybrid courses to a diverse population of 38,000 employees using modern adult learning principles and a variety of technological tools. I deliver trainings over a variety of topics, including project management, team development, communication, change management, team management, writing, critical thinking and problem solving, and interpersonal skills. I also maintain training records through the CAPPS system, as well as completing necessary additional administrative duties such as registration, invitations, marketing, post-training surveying, analyzing, and reporting data.
2022-2025
Deputy Director
DoD STARBASE Austin
As the deputy director, my role involved providing strategic direction and operational oversight. I lead a team of 6 individuals to deliver high quality instruction to over 1,500 students every year at no cost to local school districts. I gathered and analyzed data from customers and team members to make informed decisions about program policies and development initiatives. I also collaborated with others to maintain the project budget and ensure the program met state, National Guard, and federal guidelines.
2020-2026
Del Valle ISD, STARBASE Austin, Launch_K5
Adult Learning Facilitator
I have developed and delivered workshops on various topics, including curriculum writing, leading an extracurricular organization, coding semi-autonomous robots, computer science, and computational thinking.
2020-2022
Master Scheduler
Dailey Middle School
I collaborated with campus stakeholders to establish scheduling goals, gathered extensive data, and programmed it into scheduling software to develop a master schedule that optimized limited resources and remained conflict-free. This allowed for efficient and effective campus operations.
2013-2020
Lead Curriculum Writer
Del Valle ISD
I supervised a curriculum writing team that developed DVISD's first standardized set of curriculum documents used across the district. We analyzed the curriculum to ensure it met district and state guidelines, optimized student learning flow, and adhered to research-based learning practices. During this process, I led the initiative to deconstruct student learning expectations, and provide educators with clearer, more actionable guidance on what to teach and how to effectively support student learning.
2012-2022
7th Grade Science Teacher
Dailey Middle School
As a school teacher, I designed innovative curricula, gathered and analyzed data to create targeted student interventions, managed multiple ongoing projects, and effectively communicated with stakeholders at various levels. I served as the intercampus Science Professional Learning Community lead and the 7th-grade team lead for multiple years. Additionally, I managed several afterschool programs and was honored with UT-Dell Medical School's Health Leadership Award in 2019. I was also recognized for my achievements with a nomination for H-E-B's Excellence in Education Award in 2021.
EDUCATION
2012
Master's Degree
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
I received my master's degree in secondary education with a focus on special education. During this time, I maintained a 4.0 GPA and was selected to present my action research project at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting in 2013.
2010
Bachelor's Degree
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
I received my bachelor of science in biology with a minor in chemistry. I was also a member of the Phi Eta Sigma national honor society.
SKILLS
Microsoft Office 365 Suite- Advanced
Oral & Written Communication
Data Analysis and Representation
Google Workspace- Advanced
LMS Systems, Canvas, Articulate360
Critical
Thinking Skills
Curriculum Design and Delivery
Records Management
Solution Oriented