Building trust, inclusion in community

(FOREST GROVE) — As a teacher, business owner and active community member, Jodi Blue is a strong advocate for her beliefs.

The Forest Grove resident has dedicated the past two decades to teaching special education, facing challenges with an unwavering passion for helping others.

Blue's journey began in California, where she discovered her love for education while working in the classroom.

“I didn't know what I wanted to do after college, and in California, you could sub without a license — you just needed a degree. So I moved back home, and I subbed. I loved it,” she recalled.

After moving to Washington County from Portland, Blue joined the Forest Grove School District, finding fulfillment in serving her community.

“It just was nice to feel like very much a part of the community and help everyone be successful in our community,” she said.

Blue recently transitioned to the Northwest Regional Educational District in Beaverton, working with local districts to provide special education programming.

It can be a challenging role, according to Blue, as teachers work with students experiencing all sorts of struggles — from battling homelessness to dealing with parental issues.

“Relationships are the very first thing to establish — a kid won't do anything if they don't trust you,” Blue explained. “In schools everywhere, we talk a lot about respect, but respect comes from trust; if kids are disrespectful, it’s because they don't trust you. It's fixing that relationship.”

Communication is crucial in building trust, and Blue takes the time to work with students individually to ensure that she meets their personal needs.

“Behavior presents when people are defending something or protecting something — if they feel vulnerable or don't know how to communicate that need,” she said. “I spend a lot of extra time getting to know a kid.”

Compassion is at the heart of Blue’s work, and she emphasizes the importance of being there for those facing life’s challenges.

“In behavior and mental health, I work with kids who are often pushed out – and I love them. They're hilarious, and they're naughty, but that continues to fuel my life. Everybody deserves an equal chance,” Blue said.

That passion for inclusion — and her affinity for community — also extends beyond the classroom. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and protests across the country for racial justice, Blue became more vocal on social media platforms, questioning individuals who spewed hateful rhetoric and engaging in tough but necessary conversations.

Inspired by community members who felt excluded, Blue has worked to create a space where people can be themselves at Vex Cocktail Bar in Forest Grove, where she is a part owner.

“That kind of fueled what I wanted Vex to be: somewhere people could feel safe — where couples could hold hands and be themselves,” Blue said.

Opened two years ago, Vex hosts drag trivia nights, pride events and other inclusive functions to bring people together.

“We’ve been trying to open up the image and broadcast to more audiences, but I am hoping to host more events,” she said.

Though some might wonder why Blue is so dedicated to community advocacy, she emphasizes that her motivation is rooted in one thing: community.

“This is our community and these are our neighbors, and we have to get to know each other better and accept people for who they are,” she said. “The only way to do that is if we interact.”