Lansing USD469 Employee Spotlight: Jess Garner, Early Childhood Teacher
Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Jess Garner, Early Childhood Teacher
Question: How long have you worked for Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 4th year
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer:I was raised all over the world and continued that life with my husband who has been in the military for 21 years I’ve lived in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Germany Washingtons state, Texas, Missouri, and Italy. I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Unified from Emporia State University. I have two sons who attend Lansing High School.
I teach our littlest lions, PreK (4-5 year olds). I hope I am instilling a life long love of learning. I love working with the Early Childhood team we have in our district to create learning opportunities through exploration. I am on year 2 of being part of our District leadership and Building leadership teams as well.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer:I enjoy planning classroom and program events such as; Candy corn math, pumpkin patch day, and celebrating Week of the Young Child with an Art show.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: Watching my two sons sporting events ...GO LIONS!!!!
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I was raised as a military child and am on year 18 of being a military wife.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I was challenged (in a good way) last year with a student who at 4 years old could already READ, there was no shortening up a read aloud or skipping a circle time slide or event in our schedule without being called out!!!
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: You can do hard things!!!!!