Jessica Cloutier-Plasse has been a dedicated member of Concord Academy for the past 12 years, serving as the Performing Arts Department Manager, computer science teacher, fiber arts instructor, history teacher, engineering and architecture teacher, as well as an advisor and house affiliate in Haines. Her wide-ranging roles reflect both her versatility and her deep commitment to the CA community.
Growing up in Fall River, MA, Cloutier-Plasse enjoyed spending her childhood summers outdoors, visiting the neighborhood, and living on a pond. Her journey to CA was an unexpected and meaningful coincidence. When she decided to begin a career in teaching, she applied to numerous colleges and theatre programs, with CA being the last application she sent out. Everything fell into place perfectly, and the opportunity of working at CA ultimately led her to a community that she now deeply values. “The students are like little sponges. They are childish high schoolers, but yet have another layer of sophistication, intelligence, and kindness,” remarked Cloutier-Plasse.
As a member of CA’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, Cloutier-Plasse cherishes being amongst amazing artists every day and learning from them. She is amazed and proud of the breadth of the arts departments and what they offer to students. Speaking to the many positions she holds at CA, Cloutier-Plasse commented, “I’ve never had the same job title every year that I’ve worked here.” As an artist, she enjoys designing, creating, and teaching through hands-on projects. Meanwhile, as an analytical problem-solver, Cloutier-Plasse finds joy in managing the department, developing efficient systems, and helping everyone function more effectively as a whole.
Among the many classes Cloutier-Plasse teaches at CA, architecture stands out as her favorite. Co-taught with architecture and history teacher Chris Rowe, Cloutier-Plasse enjoys guiding students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves within social spaces and our broader society. As she explains, “Buildings are conceived social structures and can change or support behaviors of their users.” Through this perspective, students will eventually be able to apply their understanding in their own work as architects.
Beyond the classroom, Cloutier-Plasse deeply values CA traditions and the sense of community they bring, particularly the senior chapel talks that allow students to be vulnerable with the community and share a piece of themselves. Through her dynamic roles at CA, Cloutier-Plasse will continue to inspire students with her creativity, adaptability, passion for teaching, and her thoughtful presence.