Jennifer Mazzocco
English Teacher, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School;
Vice President, Dormont Council

As a teacher, Jennifer Mazzocco says that it’s her job to help kids learn something new and make sure that they feel welcomed, safe and loved at school.

“That’s the underlying thing that makes them want to get engaged in content,” she says.

In addition to her day-to-day work teaching English, Mazzocco also coaches debate and formerly coached the school’s quiz bowl teams. She presents professional development to teachers and has been elected to represent teachers at state and national conferences.

Through all of this, she still finds time to serve as vice president of Dormont Council, working to improve lives and change policies in the South Hills borough where she lives.

“I’m hoping to make a place that encourages people and facilitates them making connections with people who live around them,” she says.