Jesse Braxton

I want each of my students to see the value and potential of every individual, including self; to think critically about complex systems and phenomena; to take leadership in ways they see fit; and to act powerfully in the world around them.”

Jesse’s Story

Teaching Discipline

Chemistry

Why Chemistry

“There is a beautiful logic to chemistry that, once understood, allows the learner to make sense of phenomena that would otherwise be confusing or counter-intuitive. This deeper understanding that makes order out of complexity and chaos is what I love about chemistry.”

Professional Experience

Before transitioning to the field of education, Jesse worked for several years as an organizer. His first job involved finding and engaging parents to improve public education in Philadelphia. As a union organizer, he worked for the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ on the Fight for $15, a campaign that was designed to advocate for increased minimum wage for fast food and other low-paid workers. In this role, Jesse helped to organize several fast food worker strikes as part of a national campaign that led to minimum wage increases in several cities and in the states of California and New York. Jesse also helped security officers and independent security contractors in Pittsburgh to successfully form a union.

Volunteer Experience

Jesse volunteers with several social justice organizations that champion for equity in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.  

Hobbies

Jesse is a competition-winning swing dancer. He also enjoys hiking, backpacking, canoeing, camping, and exploring places of natural beauty.

Academic Background

  • University of Pennsylvania (Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Science)
  • Oberlin College (Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry)