Jessica (Fancher) Means, a 2006 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has navigated a unique and inspiring path from her early days as a student to her current role as a STEM teacher at Hafen Elementary School.
Reflecting on her time at PVHS, Jessica fondly recalls the vibrant spirit weeks and energetic pep rallies, moments that she considers some of her most cherished memories from high school. “What I will always remember is the pep rallies and the spirit weeks. That is when I would have the most fun!” she shares. Her high school years were filled with enthusiasm, particularly as a cheerleader for both football and basketball, which she continued throughout all four years. “My husband says I peaked in high school… HAHAHA! It may be true as I loved my high school years!” she jokes. While academics were not her strong suit, Jessica excelled in elective classes that fueled her creativity and energy.
Boulder City away game-(2003)
After high school, Jessica pursued a career as a licensed manicurist, dedicating 18 years to mastering her craft. However, her career took a transformative turn when she became a stay-at-home mom in Las Vegas. Faced with the challenge of keeping her young son, Camdyn, engaged and academically active, Jessica took on the role of his teacher. “Since I had a newborn and a 4-year-old, we couldn’t afford daycare costs in Las Vegas. So, since I would be staying at home, I took it upon myself to teach Camdyn age-appropriate lessons three days a week,” she explains. Utilizing resources from Pinterest and other educational tools, Jessica crafted her own curriculum, discovering a passion for teaching that she never knew she had. “Something in me came alive,” she recalls. “I was not only good at it; I was enjoying every second.”
This newfound love for teaching sparked a bold decision: Jessica enrolled in college to become a certified teacher. Balancing her studies with the responsibilities of raising a family was no small feat. “For 5.5 years straight, I went to college online with no summer breaks, as well as during COVID, just so I could get to where I am sooner,” she says. The experience was challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, as it instilled in her a newfound academic confidence. “It challenged me in such amazing ways and made me feel more academically confident. I am so thankful I was brave enough to switch careers because I love where I am currently at in life!” she adds.
Jessica’s journey was not without its challenges. She faced moments of self-doubt, especially when she didn’t achieve the grades she had hoped for or failed a test. However, she overcame these obstacles by focusing on her goals and maintaining a positive mindset. “My confidence levels would sometimes take a huge hit, but I learned to always keep an open mind and to remember that it is just a job at the end of the day,” Jessica notes. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the need to avoid burnout, a common issue among new teachers.
A significant influence on Jessica’s career was a semi-famous art teacher named Cassie Stephens, who provided guidance and inspiration. “She isn’t afraid to evolve with the up-and-coming generations, and I try to emulate that spirit in my own teaching,” Jessica says. Her husband, Harry Means, also played a crucial role in her success, providing unwavering support throughout her educational journey. “Without his guidance and support, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” she acknowledges.
In her role as a STEM teacher, Jessica emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for her students. “Being just a students’ ‘teacher’ sometimes isn’t enough. They need to feel safe and understood when they walk into your classroom,” she advises. Jessica understands that teaching is not just about academics; it’s also about fostering social and emotional growth in her students. She strives to be the kind of teacher she admired in her youth—one who connects with students on a personal level and offers genuine support and encouragement. “I have met some teachers who shouldn’t have been teachers in my high school years. Those are the ones I didn’t get along with because they had a sense of entitlement or arrogance. I got along with teachers who really looked at me and tried to connect or relate to me somehow,” she reflects. “And that’s the kind of teacher I want to be.”
Now back in Pahrump with her husband and three children, Jessica is eager to immerse herself in the community and explore new opportunities. “I am crazy happy to be back in Pahrump,” she exclaims. Having recently built their dream home, Jessica and her family are settling into their new life with enthusiasm and optimism. Her future goals include becoming an art teacher, blending her love for creativity with her passion for education. She envisions a community art project where local artists can freely express themselves. “I would love to maybe purchase an area where artists can create freely and express themselves,” she dreams.
Outside of her professional life, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family. She and Harry have three children, aged 16, 11, and 7, who are the light of her life. “We have weekly family movie nights, which I always look forward to,” she shares. Jessica also has a deep love for her two dogs, a Chihuahua named Annie and a Min Pin/Chihuahua mix named Reba.
Balancing her new teaching career with family life has been an adjustment, but Jessica remains dedicated to both. “Lately, it has been tough being a new teacher. I tend to get home later than I want, but luckily my family understands,” she says. Despite the busy schedule, she makes time for family activities like weekly movie nights, which are a cherished tradition. “I love watching my shows and taking baths. I love a good show during my bath time,” she shares with a laugh.
Jessica is also excited about the upcoming fall festivities and school events at Hafen Elementary School, where she looks forward to building a strong, supportive environment for her students. “I also have to remember that what happens in my personal life(especially anything negative) I have to leave it at home and not bring it to work,” she reflects.
With her dedication to her students, her love for her community, and her enthusiasm for learning and growth, Jessica Means embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner and a committed educator. Her journey from PVHS cheerleader to elementary school teacher is a testament to her resilience, passion, and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
