3rd Grade
At PS 8 since 2006
With most of his family being teachers, including his mother, sister and two brothers, teaching children is definitely in Mr. Jansen’s genes. He finished his graduate studies in Early Childhood Education and Psychology at Queens College, and one week after his Diploma was handed out in 2006, he started teaching at PS 8.
He cheerfully guided the entire student body through his first PS 8 year as a gym teacher, until he took over the 3rd grade CTT class in 2007. Always smiling and joking, he lets his very alive inner child run free, which makes him one of the most popular teachers in school. It doesn’t hurt that he is a Star Wars Fan and a passionate video gamer: “That way I totally bond with my kids.” But he is also very passionate about the curriculum, especially the writing that takes place in third grade. He enjoys the blend of cute innocence of the nine-year-olds — and their simultaneously developing intellectual and academical skills. “I enjoy the science unit in third grade, where we talk about sound and vibration. It is hands on and at the same time very professional, we all feel like little scientists, using sophisticated terminology while experimenting,” Mr. Jansen says proudly.
“What do I like about PS 8? Better ask me what I do NOT like about PS 8! The staff is so supportive, not competitive at all, and after school we even go out together. We are more friends than co-workers,” he adds.
