Jason Downs

Jason Downs currently teaches 8th Grade English and serves as the English Department Chair at Kory Hunter Middle School, part of Alliance College Ready Public Schools, in South Los Angeles. He holds a BA and MA in English Literature from California State University of Los Angeles where his studies focused specifically on the way in which mass media, subversive literature, and the new digital age affects and manipulates the construction of identity within digital spaces. In his classroom, he prides himself on using data driven instruction to create a culturally responsive curriculum that seamlessly integrates technology to better meet the needs of his students. Since the advent of AI, Jason has utilized various AI tools to engage students, quickly decode and analyze data trends to identify student misconceptions, and ultimately create quality lessons to effectively challenge students. He has become an expert at using AI to improve his pedagogical practices and save himself precious planning time so he can fully focus on what matters: the students. He is an avid reader, with a special place in his heart for LITrpg, science fiction, and fantasy literature.