jackhansen

Jack Hansen




My name is Jack Hansen and I am a senior at Western Michigan University. I am working toward my English Education degree and have multiple experiences and participation in related fields that will be beneficial in my quest to become a teacher.I have worked with children in a variety of settings. I have volunteered as a camp counselor for the Battle Creek Junior Theater summer drama camp where I was responsible for large groups of students in grades 2 through 8. I observed and coordinated activities and was responsible for the safe transfer of the students from building to building throughout the weeks of camp. I have also been involved in tutoring and classroom observation on a few different occasions. While attending Michigan State University, I observed and helped in 2nd grade classes in Lansing Public Schools. I was responsible for helping students that had fallen behind in their work get caught up and also observed classroom activities and methods. I have recently been involved with the KCIS publishing workshop at Maple Street Magnet school in Kalamazoo. I lead editing sessions on an individual basis with middle school students in order to prepare their writing for publishing. All of these endeavors have helped me in my interaction with children and have been meaningful, positive experience. I am currently employed by Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo. Not only do I experience multiple social interactions on a very personal level every day at work, but I am involved in a variety of community programs offered through our store. I have worked as a coach and a coordinator for the Summer Safari Marathon Training program where I am responsible for setting up water stops on run courses, answering the questions of the participants, giving educational clinics on running, as well as running with the group. I am also helping with the development of a Gazelle Sports sponsored men’s soccer league. We are in the beginning stages of organization, allocation of funds, and drafting a constitution for the league. Though this is a retail atmosphere, we pride ourselves on our personal customer interaction and I know these skills and experiences will transfer into the classroom and community when I become a teacher.

I am an avid runner and soccer player and have great experiences in both activities. I have run three marathons, three half marathons, two 5k’s, and one 10k race over the past four years. This does not include the thousands of training miles of have logged in preparation for these races. I am a dedicated runner who is deeply passionate about it. Like I previously stated, I have also helped out with the running programs at my current employer. I also play soccer year-round in outdoor and indoor leagues. I have been playing soccer since I was three years old and plan to play as long as I am physically able. I would love to someday be involved with a soccer or cross-country team in the middle school or high school setting. Before I am involved in coaching, I can serve as an example of living a healthy lifestyle for students.

While in high school, I was involved in many clubs and organizations like National Honors Society and pep club. I was also the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper and participated in athletics all four years. I would enjoy being able to help out with any of these groups and activities while intern teaching. I hope to one day be a group advisor and coach in the high school setting.

Becoming a teacher is very important to me. I have an intense interest in the future of our young people and I want to provide them the best educational experience to prepare for their lifetime of learning. Teachers have been some of the most influential people in my life and without them, I would have little direction. Having someone guide me through my development in education and giving me every opportunity to succeed was extremely beneficial and I want to provide that same support and guidance to my future students