Much of the ideas around Flex This were birthed through the conversations I have had with today's guest. Jessica Snyder (she/her) is a 5th grade English and Language Arts teacher at Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to her classroom duties, she works with the PPS Queer Equity committee, where she advocates for queer students and teachers from an educator's perspective. Most recently, she completed the AFT's Teacher Leader program where she conducted research on the benefits of LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum and practices in public schools. Previously working with Jessi, I have always been in awe of how she uses her voice to advocate for those who are still trying to find their own. Jessi also has an innate ability to hold spaces that invite the exploration of feelings and ideas without judgement or fear. (I have seen this craft of meeting conflict with grace first hand.) You can find Jessi on Twitter @Jessinpgh or on Instagram @Jessimaepgh