Jenny Hansen, Lowell Elementary School

Position: Early Childhood Instructional Strategiest

Years Teaching: 15

Hobbies: Spending quality time at home with family, Rearranging spaces to create a more peaceful feeling, Turning ordinary routines into calming rituals, Being present and intentionally connecting through conversation

What do you enjoy most about teaching? What I enjoy most about teaching is preparing the brain for learning and watching what unfolds after. When children are regulated and supported in the right environment, they show us what they’re truly capable of.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? What I find most challenging is ensuring that every child feels successful, especially when their needs are complex. It requires constant reflection, creativity, and adjustment—but it’s also what drives me to grow as an educator.

Best tip for new teachers: Each child is smart. Being smart shows up in many forms and it is our responsibility to recognize it.

Best tip for career teachers: Focus on connection first—everything else grows from there. Even just five meaningful minutes with a student can make a lasting difference.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Learn to understand your body and your feelings—because when you understand yourself, learning becomes easier.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being a Gold Star Teacher means preparing the brain for learning first. When we focus on connection and regulation, we give students the foundation they need to thrive—not just in the classroom, but beyond it.