Member Spotlight: Jessica Hortman

Member Spotlight: Jessica Hortman

Director of Internal Auxiliary Programs

Georgetown Day School

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Pittsburgh native, die-hard Steelers fan, and avid traveler Jessica Hortman began her career as a middle school and high school math teacher, also serving as the Director of Residential Life at a boarding school. After 11 years in the classroom, Jessica wanted a less stressful position that allowed for more laid-back, informal interactions with students. This inspired her to switch to auxiliary program work, first as the director of an extended day program, then to her present position in which she supervises multiple auxiliary sectors.

CURRENT POSITION

Jessica’s multifaceted work, which spans mainly from September to June, includes the extended day programs, staff childcare, special event childcare, break camps, the school store/pop-up shop, and adult French and English classes.

WHY AUXILIARY?

What Jessica loves about auxiliary work is its blend of freedom and creativity.  Running these programs, she says, is akin to running a mini-business within a larger institution. She prioritizes employee development; it is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy that auxiliary staff believe in the value of their roles within the school’s larger structure. She views independent school leader Crissy Cáceres as her role model, admiring her authenticity and passion.

PROUDEST MOMENT

Jessica’s proudest achievement was setting up Georgetown Day School’s store/pop-up shop, conceived and operational in just six months. Since April 2023, the shop has showcased unique logos, vendor partnerships, and strategic pricing. Jessica shared her experience by leading a session at the SPARC National Conference earlier this month titled “How to Start a Successful School Pop-Up Shop in 6 Months!”

ADVICE FOR NEWBIES

When asked what advice she has for those new to auxiliary work, Jessica recommends staying open-minded, exploring fresh ideas, and viewing yourself as an “out-of-school-time educator.”

FUTURE GOALS

Jessica dreams of staff-driven auxiliary program innovation. By leveraging their creativity and passion, she envisions a collaborative and inventive work environment. One future venture, called the Mighty Hoppers Club, is a staff-brainchild program in which children interact and bond during weekends.

HOBBIES

Jessica’s love for travel began with her first international trip at just six weeks old. She considers Bermuda, her mother’s country of birth, to be her second home. On her family’s wall is a map dotted with pins that commemorate their travels. For their next trip, they’re taking a ten-day RV adventure to California during the winter break.

During her downtime, Jessica enjoys foreign TV shows, tuning in to the BBC, Acorn, and PBS Masterpiece. Favorites include Chelsea Detective, Van Der Valk, and Professor T. She loves Usher’s music and was thrilled to see him perform live in Las Vegas for her birthday.  

Jessica’s favorite literary genre is alternative history, including books by Danielle Page of the Dorothy Must Die series and Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked, Mirror, Mirror, and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister.