Jens Hauge

I grewup on the dusty roads of rural Minnesota where I developed my lifelong love for music and creative writing. Making my way to the more mountainous region of Washington state, I received my Bachelors of Arts from The Evergreen State College in 2008. A young coast-hopper, I jumped to New York City where I worked as an Administrative Organizer for 1199 SEIU. In 2010, I signed up to be an AmeriCorps Volunteer at Minnehaha Elementary School in Vancouver, WA where I tutored K-5 students in literacy. It was a wonderful experience and I believe that volunteering in schools truly enriches children's lives. In July 2012, I received my Master of Arts in Teaching at the Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling where I completed my student-teaching at Sunnyside Environmental School in a third grade classroom. I learned the value of place-based curriculum by collaboratively planning a Storyline curriculum on the Chinook Native Americans and the history of Portland. The lessons came alive as we brought in guest speakers such as the IPRC, went on field trips, and interviewed people who live in the Sunnyside neighborhood.

Four years ago I worked as an elementary substitute teacher throughout Vancouver and Portland. I met many wonderful students, teachers, and administrators. Subbing in different classrooms gave me the opportunity to fine-tune my behavior management strategies. I focused on being firm yet positive, providing students with lots of praise for demonstrating appropriate behaviors. I used morning meetings to introduce the daily agenda and set expectations. I worked hard to create a safe learning environment for my students.

For the last three years I have worked as a 3/4 teacher in the EXCEL program at the Evergreen Flex Academy in the Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, WA. This opportunity has allowed me to hone my skills as a Storyline teacher and make learning more meaningful, authentic, and engaging.

Two unique skills that I bring to the classroom include music and technology. Using my guitar, I have incorporated music as a tool for transitions, focusing, and learning. I also love to use technology during my lessons including Youtube videos, iPads, typing programs, and books on CD. Both music and technology have been powerful tools for engaging students.