Brooke Jensen has returned to teach at Central Hardin this year, and we wanted to give students a chance to learn more about her and her background.

CENTRAL TIMES: Where did you attend high school? College?

JENSEN: I am a Central Hardin High School graduate (Class of ‘97).  Go Bruins! I earned my undergraduate teaching degree in Secondary Education (English) from Indiana University, Bloomington.  I earned two Master’s degrees from Maryville University St. Louis, and University of Louisville.

CENTRAL TIMES: What prompted you to become a teacher?

JENSEN: There are multiple reasons: my life was given direction by influential teachers at Central Hardin, I began volunteering in the Big Brother Big Sister program in college and enjoyed interacting with and leading youth in various projects, and I realized that some of my developing strengths matched the field of teaching, so I began to pursue that as a career and have enjoyed many opportunities to learn and grow in the field.

CENTRAL TIMES: How long have you been teaching?

JENSEN: Since 2002

CENTRAL TIMES: Did you teach at any other school(s) before coming to Central, if so where?

JENSEN:  

• One of the largest school districts in Missouri: Hazelwood School District, St. Louis (4 years of 7th-8th grade Language Arts; led yearbook and coached cross country and track and field)
• Central Hardin High School, 2006-2009 (sophomore Language Arts and coached track and field)
• Provided Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Special Education services to the largest cooperative school district (covering 5 counties) in New York State for 2 years, and led the first National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning program in Syracuse, New York
• Taught one year of 8th grade English in Colorado Springs, Colorado

CENTRAL TIMES: What brought you to Central?

JENSEN: A great opportunity to return that was offered to me.

CENTRAL TIMES: How has your experience at Central Hardin been so far?

JENSEN: It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m grateful.

CENTRAL TIMES: What class/classes do you teach? Have you always taught that or have you taught other classes too?

JENSEN: I currently teach Jr. and Sr. English.

CENTRAL TIMES: Is there a reason that you chose the subject that you teach? 

JENSEN: 

• Writing has always been a passion for me, and reading has always been a strength.
• I earned a Reading Specialist degree when I realized some students enter middle school unable to read or write on grade level; I wanted to help struggling students in my classroom.
• I earned a degree as a Teacher of the Blind when I wanted to earn a second Master’s degree but was unsure what field I might enjoy the most; my son was born with a genetic condition that causes legal blindness, and the special educators who supported our growth and learning as parents and the growth and learning of my son made me realize that I’d love to do the same (help students with special needs and their families.)