Jaclyn DeStefano

By Logan Goldstein, Gabe Herman and Brennan Cunningham

As a new teacher at West Essex, Jaclyn DeStefano is already making her mark on the community, bringing a positive mindset to her students. Since high school, she has always wanted to pursue a career in any type of art, admiring the way it allowed people to freely express themselves. But it wasn’t until recently that DeStefano knew that graphic design was the perfect match for her. Thrilled to have the opportunity to spread her love and passion for the subject, DeStefano is eager to embark on a new chapter in her life: teaching.

Going back to her childhood, DeStefano took painting and drawing classes. In high school, she found an interest in the digital side of art; taking photography and graphic design. She also worked as a camp counselor throughout her high school years, gaining experience with kids and teaching.

DeStefano went to Moravian college, a small and private liberal arts school. She received her bachelors degree in graphic design and pre-law, then got her masters at William Paterson. She was very active in college, being captain of the cheer team and layout editor for the school paper. She knew that the art field was for her, but it wasn’t until college that she found her true love for graphic design.

“So I went to college for graphic design, I found out I loved it,” DeStefano said. “But I just didn’t like being in front of the computer for such a long amount of time. So I went back to teaching, I taught studio art. And now I get to teach graphic design. So it’s kind of like combining both of my passions.”

Now at West Essex, DeStefano teaches three levels of graphic design and teaches yearbook. She has already had such an amazing and positive experience here. Destefano is pleased and grateful for the helping hand the community has given to her.

“It’s been a huge adjustment for me, but in the best possible way,” DeStefano said. “I think West Essex has a great sense of community… [T]he students are so willing to help, so willing to learn, so excited to get involved. And that’s something that I find really inspiring.”

Destefano is already a key addition to West Essex, and above all wants her students to strive, inside and outside the classroom.

“I would like them to know that I am on their side, I care about them, that I’m willing to get to know them, to listen, and to inspire,” DeStefano said. “My intentions are always pure when it comes to walking into the classroom and teaching. I just want them to succeed, whether it’s in graphic design or not.”